Wisdom of the Sages
Religion & Spirituality
About
Truths about life from the timeless wisdom of the Bhakti-yoga tradition - fun, relevant, and deep. Learn about dharma, yoga, bhakti, and how it relates to all the basic questions of life. This show is about how to live your best life, let go of the external distractions, and uncover the spiritual happiness that lies within the heart as the true nature of the soul. Raghunath and Kaustubha's connection goes back to their teens in the New York Hardcore Punk Scene of the early 80s, through serving together as Bhakti-yogi monks in the 90's, to sharing their experiences in the...
Episodes
- 1767: Entering the Rāsa Dance with the Eye of Love
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the Rāsa Līlā from the Srimad Bhagavatam, focusing on divine love and a unique perspective on renunciation. They analyze the spiritual significance of Krishna's dance with the gopis.
- 1766: When the Ego Steps Back | The Existential Sense of Being Blessed
This episode discusses gratitude as a sign of spiritual depth, emerging when the ego recedes. It explores how this gratitude reflects the soul's correct understanding of its relationship with God, and how profound spiritual consciousness c…
- 1765: Robert De Niro, Vedanta and the Art of Being Chill
This episode explores the concept of "being chill," equating it to the Vedantic principle of samathvam, or evenness of mind. It discusses how detachment, as described in the Bhagavad-gita and illustrated with examples from the Srimad Bhaga…
- 1764: Speaking Truth to Power with Love
This episode of Wisdom of the Sages discusses Sri Prahlad, a child saint who spoke truth to power. The hosts explore his teachings, which emphasize that the only enemy in the world is the uncontrolled mind.
- 1763: Let Go But Don't Give Up | Bhakti, Business and the Art of Surrender
Divya Alter, founder of Divya's Kitchen, shares her experience of integrating spiritual practice with her business after living in an ashram for twenty years. She discusses devotional service, surrender, letting go, and trusting Krishna wi…
- 1762: No Pride Allowed | Muhammad Ali on the Hereafter
This episode of Wisdom of the Sages discusses Muhammad Ali's views on pride and the hereafter, drawing parallels to concepts in the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita regarding material attachment and spiritual understanding. The hosts ex…
- 1761: Dethroning the Ego | The Existential Apology
This episode of Wisdom of the Sages discusses the spiritual power of apology, presenting it as a key to dethroning the ego and achieving freedom. It draws on insights from Raghunath’s forthcoming book, The Six Pillars of Bhakti, and the Sr…
- 1760: Our Challenges Are Here to Reform Us
This episode of Wisdom of the Sages explores how challenges and difficult moments serve to reform us, rather than punish. Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss false pride as a barrier to happiness, drawing insights from Bhakti Yoga and the stor…
- 1759: Human Potential and The Fire of Knowledge
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss human potential and the Bhagavad Gita's fourth chapter, focusing on how connecting to the divine transforms one's perspective on life's material assets. They use the analogy of raw iron as a metaphor for hum…
- 1758: The Joy of Being an Instrument | Bhakti and Creative Flow
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the spiritual perspective of creativity as a process of acting as an instrument for the divine. The episode explores themes of bhakti, the Bhagavad Gita, and the spontaneous kirtan of the gopis following the…
- 1757: Staycation | Marcus Aurelius, Bhagavad-gita and the Peace Within
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the idea that true peace is found internally rather than through travel. Drawing on Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and the Bhagavad-gita, they explore the importance of one's internal state over external circu…
- 1756: A Divine Light Struggling Inside This Flesh Machine
Raghunath reflects on insights from a recovery community encounter, exploring themes of arrogance, self-knowledge, and the soul's nature as discussed in the Srimad Bhagavatam. The episode examines how recognizing human vulnerability can fo…
- 1755: Krishna Doesn't Punish. He Liberates.
This episode explores the concept of false pride through the Govardhan Lila of the Srimad Bhagavatam. It discusses how difficult life events can be viewed as opportunities for liberation rather than punishment from Krishna.
- 1754: You're Not Unlucky. You're Unexamined. | Karma and Carl Jung
Raghunath and Kaustubha examine the concept of karma through the lens of Carl Jung’s thoughts on the inner life and a passage from the Srimad Bhagavatam, discussing how unexamined internal experiences shape one's external circumstances.
- 1753: A Better Metric for Loving God
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the spiritual metric of loving others, exploring perspectives from The Brothers Karamazov, the Srimad Bhagavatam, and various historical figures. They also introduce the Govardhan Lila and examine the import…
- 1752: Why Your Spiritual Checklist Might Be Working Against You
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss whether spiritual practices are genuinely transformative or merely goal-oriented. Using the example of Goodhart's Law and the story of the Brahmanas from the Srimad Bhagavatam, they explore the potential pit…
- 1751: The Cosmic Authority Problem | A Prominent Atheist Admits His Fear of God
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the cosmic authority problem, referencing Thomas Nagel's admission regarding atheism. They explore perspectives from the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam on the nature of God and love.
- 1750: The Distracted Mind | Obstacle or Opportunity?
In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the role of the wandering mind in meditation and spiritual practice. They reflect on insights from William James, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Srimad Bhagavatam regarding the importance of ret…
- 1749: The Ritual Trap | Krishna & Real Devotion
This episode of Wisdom of the Sages explores the distinction between ritualistic practice and genuine devotion in Bhakti Yoga. Raghunath discusses the story of the wives of the brāhmaṇas and how true spiritual consciousness transcends exte…
- 1748: Do We Really Need Someone to Complete Us?
In this episode, hosts Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the role of Bhakti Yoga and devotion in finding steady meaning beyond worldly identities. Drawing on the Srimad Bhagavatam's story of the wives of the brāhmaṇas, they discuss how cente…
- 1747: The Many Faces of Priests and Beggars — Lessons from India's Holy Places
Raghunath and Kaustubha share stories from India’s holy places to explore how consciousness impacts one's spiritual path, whether as a priest, pilgrim, or beggar. They reflect on Vedic wisdom and the importance of focusing on devotion to K…
- 1746: When Religious Externals Kill Spiritual Life
This episode explores the dangers of prioritizing religious rituals over genuine spiritual devotion. Using teachings from the Srimad Bhagavatam and an insight from Albert Einstein, the discussion highlights the importance of sincerity in B…
- 1745: Every Desire Is a Search for Divine Love
This episode of Wisdom of the Sages explores the Bhakti Yoga perspective that all human desires are rooted in a search for divine connection. Raghunath and Kaustubha use teachings from the Srimad Bhagavatam and the example of the gopīs to…
- 1744: The Quiet Hum of Mortality in the Back of Our Minds
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the human tendency to avoid thoughts of mortality. They explore how Vedic wisdom and the story of the gopīs from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam offer a path to understanding the self and achieving divine love.
- 1743: Krishna Isn't Immoral — He's Trans-Moral Bhakti-Yoga's Radical Insight on Love and Surrender
In this episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha examine a controversial passage from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam regarding Krishna and the gopīs. They discuss how this interaction reflects the principle of ātma-nivedanam, illustr…
- 1742: A Vision of Death… and the Sweetest Transcendence
Kaustubha and Raghunath reflect on death and the fragility of life following an incident at the Holi festival. They discuss perspectives from Bhakti Yoga and the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and examine the spiritual significance of Krishna stealing…
- 1741: Refine the Mind's Lens — From Thoreau to Krishna's Lovers
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss Bhakti Yoga, drawing connections between Henry David Thoreau’s reflections on perception and the devotion of the gopīs from the Srimad Bhagavatam. They explore how spiritual practice and devotion can transfo…
- 1740: The Hare Kṛṣṇa Mantra: Śrī Caitanya's Gift of Divine Love
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the significance of Śrī Caitanya and the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. They explore the theological perspective that Caitanya is Kṛṣṇa appearing with the mood of Rādhārāṇī to share divine love.
- 1739: When God Plays the Flute: Gopī-Prema, the Pinnacle of Bhakti
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss Canto 10, Chapter 21 of the Bhagavata Purana, focusing on the gopis' glorification of Krishna's flute and the nature of gopi-prema as the pinnacle of bhakti yoga.
- 1738: George Harrison & the Spiritual Revolution of the 60s
This episode examines George Harrison's spiritual journey during the 1960s, tracing his transition from global superstar to seeker. It covers his engagement with the Bhagavad-gītā, mantra meditation, and his role in introducing Krishna con…
- 1737: Physically Loose, Mentally Tight: A Yogi's Secret
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss how to manage mental turbulence and stress through the practice of bhakti-yoga. The episode explores the concept of anapekṣaḥ and the balance of outward flexibility and inward steadiness.
- 1736: Fish in a Drying Puddle: The Silent Ways We Waste Our Lives
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the transient nature of life using the metaphor of a fish in a drying puddle. They explore how to move beyond routine and distraction through the practices of bhakti-yoga to live with more intention and fulf…
- 1735: When Rivers Overflow and Yogis Remain Still
This episode discusses lessons from the Srimad Bhagavatam regarding sense control, devotional service, and remaining steady in yoga practice amid life's challenges. It also explores perspectives on institutions, the awakening of devotion,…
- 1734: Do Bodily Considerations Override Bhakti Qualifications? Female Initiating Gurus & Guru-Tattva
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the recent GBC meeting in Māyāpur regarding female initiating gurus, examining the topic through the lenses of guru-tattva and Bhāgavatam. They explore the tension between bodily designations and bhakti qual…
- 1733: How Krishna Bhakti Went Global (No Money, No Plan, Just Faith)
Raghunath discusses the early days of the global Hare Krishna movement with guests Mahāmāyā and Bali Mardana at Govardhan Eco Village. They reflect on how faith, surrender, and the influence of Śrīla Prabhupāda drove the movement's expansi…
- 1732: Take Back Your Mind: Yoga & Bhakti in the Age of Noise Bad Bunny, Kid Rock & Misplaced Attention
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the importance of directing attention toward meaningful pursuits in a distracted modern world. Using insights from Simone Weil and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they examine how bhakti yoga provides a method for re…
- 1731: How Karma Trains the Heart
This episode explores the concept of karma as a mechanism for personal growth rather than guilt. Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss how karma can restore agency and foster compassion through insights from Keanu Reeves and the Śrīmad Bhāgavata…
- 1730: When "I Already Know" Blocks Spiritual Growth
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the dangers of pride in spiritual growth and the importance of steady practice. They also explore a narrative from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam involving Balarāma in Vrindavan.
- 1729: Are We Seeking Transformation, or Just Validation?
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the difference between seeking genuine transformation through scripture versus using texts to validate personal motives. The episode explores why interpretations of the same teachings can vary and how compas…
- 1728: Confront. Process. Transcend. (Real Bhakti Isn't Bypassing)
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the importance of facing reality and avoiding spiritual bypassing through the lens of bhakti. They reflect on a near-death experience in Māyāpur and examine Carl Jung's perspective on making the unconscious…
- 1727: Trusting God Without Knowing the Outcome
This episode explores the concept of trusting God and surrendering when outcomes are uncertain. Drawing on a Christian devotional sentiment and the story of Kāliya from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the hosts discuss finding purpose in adversity.
- 1726: Compassion Is the Measure
This episode explores spiritual maturity through the lens of compassion, referencing Confucius and teachings from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Hosts Raghunath and Kaustubha examine the themes of fear, surrender, and the nature of grace.
- 1725: Pilgrimage, Mercy & This Fragile Moment in History / Bhakti as a Living, Unfolding Movement
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss pilgrimage, mercy, and the path of Śrī Caitanya from Śrīdhāma Māyāpur. They reflect on the nature of bhakti and how it shapes culture while navigating the uncertainty of the current historical moment.
- 1724: Stop Hugging the Cactus: Why the Soul Is Still Hungry
Recorded at Govardhan Eco-Village, Raghunath and guests discuss the limitations of material life and the fulfillment found through devotional practices. Drawing from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the episode explores the path to spiritual realiza…
- 1723: I Love Crying: Finding Faith in Life's Heaviest Moments / Q&A Vol. 293
Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss processing emotional heaviness and life's challenges through a bhakti perspective. Recorded live at Govardhan Eco Village, this Q&A explores finding faith during difficult seasons and balancing spiritual pra…
- 1722: Redirected by Grace: Part 2
In the second part of this episode recorded at Govardhan Eco Village, various seekers share stories of how they were redirected by grace. The discussion explores personal transformations, moving away from conventional success toward devoti…
- 1721: Redirected by Grace: How People Find Their Way to Bhakti
This episode of Wisdom of the Sages features personal accounts of how various individuals from diverse backgrounds found their way to the practice of bhakti. Listeners hear stories of personal journeys, spiritual detours, and the influence…
- 1720: People Over Profits: Inside Radhanath Swami's Bhaktivedanta Hospital
Raghunath welcomes author Radha Bhakti to discuss the culture and history of Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai. They explore how the facility prioritizes patient care and spiritual well-being over profits.
- 1719: A Reflected Rose Has No Aroma — Why the Bhagavad-gītā Calls This World a Reflection
This episode explores the concept of the world as a reflection, drawing on teachings from the Bhagavad-gītā. It discusses why material existence is compared to an upside-down tree or a reflected rose that lacks true substance or aroma.
- 1718: 3 Ferraris, Zero Peace: The Higher Taste Effect (Bhakti & Spiritual Psychology)
Hosts Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss the concept of spiritual taste, referencing William James and the Bhāgavatam. They explore how bhakti and spiritual devotion can transform desires by replacing them with a higher, more fulfilling attra…