SWAMI SIVANANDA - WISDOM OF A MASTER

By: Sri Swami Sivananda
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  • SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA: The Wisdom of a Yoga Master - HQ Full Books.Welcome to Sri Swami Sivananda: The Wisdom of a Yoga Master - HQ Podcast, where we dive deep into the timeless teachings and transformative wisdom of one of the greatest spiritual masters of the modern era, Sri Swami Sivananda. Through this podcast, we will explore his profound insights on various aspects of yoga, meditation, spirituality, and personal development. Drawing on his extensive works, each episode brings to light key lessons that will help you achieve inner peace, mental clarity, and a higher state of consciousness.Swami Sivananda’s teachings are vast and cover a wide range of topics, from the control of the mind and the development of virtues, to the pursuit of self-realization and liberation. This podcast will explore his essential writings, giving you practical tools and wisdom for navigating life’s challenges with a calm, balanced, and spiritual mindset.Here’s a brief description of the key books featured in the podcast, which are designed to help you overcome obstacles and discover the deeper truths of existence: 1. Conquest of Anger: Highly Practical Methods for the Control of Anger In this insightful book, Swami Sivananda addresses the destructive force of anger and offers practical, spiritual methods for overcoming it. Anger, a common human emotion, often leads to stress, conflict, and harm to both ourselves and others. Swami Sivananda outlines how anger arises, its impact on our physical and mental health, and how we can cultivate patience, self-control, and compassion to master this powerful emotion. The book provides simple yet effective tools such as self-reflection, the power of silence, and the practice of forgiveness, guiding listeners to a state of emotional balance and peace. 2. Conquest of Fear: The Causes of Fear and Its Eradication Fear is one of the greatest barriers to personal growth and spiritual development. In Conquest of Fear, Swami Sivananda delves into the root causes of fear—whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or the fear of death—and offers practical steps to eliminate it from our lives. He teaches that fear arises from attachment to the material world and ignorance of our true nature. The path to freedom from fear lies in cultivating faith, surrendering to the Divine, and realizing the impermanence of worldly troubles. Through meditation, introspection, and self-discipline, we can conquer fear and achieve true peace of mind. 3. How to Get Vairagya (Dispassion) In this work, Swami Sivananda explores the concept of Vairagya, or dispassion, which is one of the key principles of spiritual growth. Vairagya is the ability to detach oneself from the fleeting pleasures and distractions of the material world, leading to a deeper connection with the soul. Swami Sivananda explains that true dispassion arises not from renouncing the world, but from understanding its impermanence and the futility of attachment to it. He offers practical steps to cultivate Vairagya through mindfulness, selfless action, and meditation, allowing us to focus on the eternal truths of life rather than temporary desires. 4. Karmas and Diseases In this book, Swami Sivananda draws a connection between karma—the law of cause and effect—and the onset of physical and mental diseases. He explains that many of the ailments we experience in life are the result of our past actions, whether from this life or previous ones. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of karma in our health and wellbeing, and how by cultivating good karma through righteous actions, selfless service, and positive thoughts, we can improve our overall health. The work offers practical advice for those looking to heal themselves, both physically and spiritually, by aligning with the Divine will. 5. Life and Teachings of Lord Jesus Swami Sivananda’s work on the life and teachings of Lord Jesus provides a spiritual perspective on one of the most revered figures in history. In this book, he explores the core message of Jesus: love, compassion, and selfless service. Swami Sivananda delves into the spiritual lessons from the life of Christ, highlighting his teachings on humility, forgiveness, and devotion to God. The book also illustrates how the practices of meditation and prayer, as exemplified by Jesus, can lead to a deep connection with the Divine. For listeners seeking spiritual guidance, this book offers valuable insights into the universal message of love and peace. 6. Light, Power, and Wisdom Light, Power, and Wisdom is a powerful exploration of the essential elements that drive human evolution: inner light, divine power, and universal wisdom. Swami Sivananda describes how these qualities are interconnected and present in each of us. By tapping into the divine light within, cultivating spiritual power through prayer and discipline, and embracing wisdom, we can elevate our lives and experience true ...
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Episodes
  • KARMA YOGA - 5. KARMA & REINCARNATION - Sri Swami Sivananda – The Practice of Karma Yoga

    KARMA YOGA - 5. KARMA & REINCARNATION - Sri Swami Sivananda – The Practice of Karma Yoga
    Dec 27 2024
    KARMA YOGA - 5. KARMA & REINCARNATION - Sri Swami Sivananda – The Practice of Karma Yoga - HQ Full Book.Chapter 5: Karma and ReincarnationSwami Sivananda, one of the foremost spiritual masters of the 20th century, dedicated much of his life to imparting the wisdom of the Vedic scriptures and the practice of selfless action, or Karma Yoga. His teachings on Karma and Reincarnation in Chapter 5 of his book The Practice of Karma Yoga offer profound insights into the interconnectedness of actions, consequences, and the cycles of birth and rebirth. This chapter explores the essential concepts surrounding Karma and Reincarnation, giving readers a clear understanding of how their actions today shape their spiritual path and future lives. Below is a brief description of each sub-chapter in this chapter.1. KarmaIn the first sub-chapter, Swami Sivananda delves into the concept of Karma, which refers to action and its consequences. According to the law of Karma, every action—whether physical, mental, or verbal—produces a reaction. These reactions can manifest immediately or take time to materialize, but they are inescapable. The law of Karma is impersonal and works like a cosmic law of justice, ensuring that every individual reaps the fruits of their actions. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that Karma is not limited to moral actions but includes all deeds, whether good, bad, or neutral. He explains that one’s actions in this life will determine their circumstances in future lives, thus making it imperative for individuals to act with awareness and mindfulness. The practice of Karma Yoga teaches individuals to perform their duties selflessly without attachment to the results, helping to purify the mind and accumulate good Karma, which contributes to spiritual evolution.2. Doctrine of ReincarnationThe Doctrine of Reincarnation is a cornerstone of Swami Sivananda’s teachings. He explains that reincarnation is the process through which the soul undergoes successive births in different bodies, in accordance with the accumulated Karma from past lives. Reincarnation, according to Sivananda, is an expression of the law of cause and effect, where the soul continues its journey toward self-realization until it achieves liberation (moksha). This concept is not just a theological idea, but a spiritual truth that explains the continuity of existence. For Sivananda, reincarnation is a natural process that provides opportunities for the soul to work out its karmic debts and evolve spiritually over time. Through understanding reincarnation, one can come to terms with the inevitable cycles of life, death, and rebirth, realizing that death is not an end, but a transition toward greater spiritual wisdom.3. Lawful and Forbidden ActionsIn this section, Swami Sivananda discusses the distinction between lawful and forbidden actions. Lawful actions are those that align with the divine will and are in accordance with dharma (righteousness), while forbidden actions are those that contradict the moral order and lead to negative karmic consequences. Sivananda emphasizes that the individual must understand the nature of right and wrong in order to avoid sinful actions and accumulate good Karma. Swami Sivananda stresses the importance of performing actions that are selfless, in harmony with universal laws, and beneficial to society. Actions driven by greed, hatred, or ignorance, however, lead to undesirable outcomes and perpetuate the cycle of suffering. By adhering to the principles of dharma, one can navigate life’s challenges and purify the mind, thereby minimizing the karmic debts that accumulate.4. Three Kinds of KarmaSwami Sivananda further elucidates the three primary types of Karma in this sub-chapter:Sanchita Karma: The accumulated storehouse of all past karmas, both good and bad, from previous lifetimes.Prarabdha Karma: The portion of Sanchita Karma that has ripened and is responsible for the current life’s experiences and circumstances.Agami Karma: The karma that is created in the present life through one’s actions, which will bear fruit in future lifetimes.Understanding these three types of Karma helps individuals comprehend the nature of their life’s experiences, recognizing that the difficulties and joys they encounter are a direct result of past actions. By practicing selfless service and following the path of Karma Yoga, one can mitigate negative karma and work toward spiritual liberation.5. Sin Is a Mistake OnlyIn this section, Swami Sivananda offers a liberating perspective on sin. He asserts that sin is not an inherent part of the soul but rather a mistake caused by ignorance or misunderstanding of one’s true nature. Sinful actions arise from the ego, attachment, and desires, and lead the individual further away from spiritual realization. For Sivananda, sin is an opportunity for learning, a mistake that can be rectified through repentance, self-discipline, and knowledge. By performing actions with the ...
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    54 mins
  • KARMA YOGA - 4. KARMA & FREEDOM: Exploring Free Will & Action - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga

    KARMA YOGA - 4. KARMA & FREEDOM: Exploring Free Will & Action - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga
    Dec 27 2024
    KARMA YOGA - 4. KARMA AND FREEDOM: Exploring Free Will and Action - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga - HQ Full Book.Chapter 4 - Karma and FreedomSri Swami Sivananda was a renowned spiritual teacher, yoga master, and philosopher who contributed immensely to the understanding of spiritual principles and practices. Among his many works, his teachings on Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action, stand out as a significant contribution to the modern spiritual landscape. Karma Yoga is the practice of engaging in actions without attachment to their outcomes, fostering spiritual growth and self-realization. In Chapter 4 of his work The Practice of Karma Yoga, titled Karma and Freedom, Swami Sivananda delves deeply into the intricate relationship between karma (action) and the concept of freedom. The central theme of this chapter revolves around understanding how human beings can navigate the forces of their actions while cultivating freedom from their past deeds, thoughts, and desires. Swami Sivananda offers profound insights into the practice of selfless service, urging individuals to recognize their inherent capacity for spiritual freedom through wise action.Below is a summary of each sub-chapter in Chapter 4: 1. Free WillSwami Sivananda begins this sub-chapter by exploring the concept of free will, the ability of an individual to make choices independent of external influences or divine will. According to him, free will is a fundamental aspect of human nature, granting individuals the power to choose their thoughts, words, and actions. This freedom of choice, however, is not absolute. It is tempered by the law of karma, where past actions influence present circumstances, and current actions shape future outcomes. Free will, in the context of Karma Yoga, is not about acting whimsically or selfishly, but rather making choices aligned with dharma (righteousness) and selflessness. By exercising free will in a conscious and deliberate manner, individuals can transcend the limitations imposed by their past actions and shape their destiny towards spiritual liberation. The practice of Karma Yoga, therefore, enables individuals to exercise their free will in a manner that promotes not only personal growth but also universal welfare.2. Philosophy of Right and WrongIn this sub-chapter, Swami Sivananda addresses the age-old question of right and wrong, urging readers to move beyond rigid moral judgments. He emphasizes that right and wrong are not absolute in the way they are often perceived in the material world. Instead, they are relative concepts that depend on the context, intention, and understanding of an individual. Swami Sivananda presents the idea that right action is that which is in harmony with the higher laws of the universe, such as truth, compassion, and righteousness. Similarly, wrong action arises when individuals act out of selfishness, ignorance, or desire for personal gain. However, he also explains that karma is not simply about making the right or wrong choices, but rather about the intention behind each action. Thus, individuals should cultivate the right attitude and motivation, which will ultimately lead to actions that support their spiritual evolution and the welfare of all beings.3. As You Sow, So Shall You ReapSwami Sivananda draws on the well-known adage, "As you sow, so shall you reap," to explain the universal law of cause and effect, or karma. In this sub-chapter, he elaborates on the notion that every action, whether good or bad, creates a corresponding result. The seeds of our actions, thoughts, and desires ripen into fruits that we must ultimately experience, either in this lifetime or future ones. The law of karma underscores the importance of performing selfless actions and cultivating purity of heart. When an individual acts out of love, compassion, and selflessness, the fruits of those actions will be beneficial for both the individual and others. Conversely, selfish actions based on desire or ignorance lead to negative consequences. Through understanding this fundamental law, Swami Sivananda teaches that we have the power to shape our lives and destinies by consciously choosing our actions in alignment with higher principles. 4. Man Can Outgrow EnvironmentsIn this sub-chapter, Swami Sivananda challenges the commonly held belief that human beings are wholly shaped by their environment, whether it be family, society, or external circumstances. He stresses that man is not a slave to his environment but has the power to rise above it through self-effort, discipline, and spiritual practice. Swami Sivananda teaches that an individual can transcend the limitations of their birth, upbringing, or external conditions by cultivating the right mindset, engaging in selfless service, and practicing the path of Karma Yoga. By doing so, one can elevate their consciousness, irrespective of external circumstances, and ultimately reach a state of spiritual freedom. The practice ...
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    37 mins
  • KARMA YOGA - 3. SVADHARMA - ONE’S OWN DUTY - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga

    KARMA YOGA - 3. SVADHARMA - ONE’S OWN DUTY - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga
    Dec 25 2024
    KARMA YOGA - 3. SVADHARMA - ONE’S OWN DUTY - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Practice of Karma Yoga - HQ Full BookChapter 3: SvadharmaIn Chapter 3 of Sri Swami Sivananda's "The Practice of Karma Yoga", the concept of Svadharma is explored in-depth. Svadharma, or "one's own duty," is a cornerstone of Karma Yoga, the yoga of selfless action. Swami Sivananda emphasizes the significance of performing one's prescribed duties, according to one's nature, without attachment to the results. This chapter provides clarity on how to understand and adhere to Svadharma, guiding aspirants in their spiritual journey toward liberation.1. What Is Svadharma?Svadharma refers to the personal duty or responsibility that an individual must fulfill based on their nature, station in life, and social position. According to Swami Sivananda, every person has a unique role in the cosmic order, and fulfilling that role with devotion is crucial for spiritual growth. Svadharma is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It is based on the inherent qualities of an individual (their guna), and it is aligned with the duties prescribed by their societal role, which can include being a student, a householder, a warrior, or a sage. The core of Svadharma lies in performing one’s duties without ego, without seeking personal gain, and without attachment to the fruits of action. Swami Sivananda teaches that by following one's Svadharma, a person contributes to the harmony of the world and attains inner peace. Importantly, Svadharma should be chosen and followed with a sense of right conduct (dharma) rather than from selfish desires or egoistic motives.2. Duties of ManSwami Sivananda explains that duty is an essential aspect of human life, and it encompasses various facets such as moral, social, familial, and spiritual obligations. The duties of a man are guided by the principles of dharma, which vary based on the individual's role and stage of life (the ashramas). Duties are inherently connected with the roles one plays in society. A student’s duty is to study and acquire knowledge; a householder’s duty is to support their family and contribute to society; a warrior’s duty is to protect and uphold justice; and a spiritual aspirant’s duty is to meditate and seek self-realization. Swami Sivananda emphasizes that all duties should be performed selflessly, without attachment to personal desires, for they purify the heart and mind, enabling spiritual progress. By focusing on one’s own duties and avoiding interference with the duties of others, individuals can maintain the proper order of life and contribute to the greater good.3. The Three GunasThe concept of the three gunas—Sattva (goodness, purity), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, ignorance)—is essential in understanding Svadharma. Swami Sivananda explains that each individual is influenced by these gunas to varying degrees, and their actions are a reflection of the dominant guna. These qualities shape an individual’s nature, character, and behavior.Sattva: When predominating, it leads to actions characterized by purity, wisdom, and harmony. People dominated by Sattva are inclined toward selfless service, spirituality, and contemplation.Rajas: When predominating, Rajas results in desires, ambition, and action driven by personal goals. Those dominated by Rajas tend to be driven by worldly ambitions and attachment to the fruits of their labor.Tamas: When predominating, it leads to lethargy, ignorance, and confusion. People with a predominance of Tamas are often stuck in inertia, indulging in ignorance and selfish desires.Understanding one’s own nature, based on the predominance of these three gunas, is vital for identifying and following one’s Svadharma. For example, a person dominated by Sattva might be naturally inclined toward spiritual pursuits, while a person influenced by Rajas might be drawn to worldly activities and leadership, and one influenced by Tamas may need to focus on overcoming ignorance and laziness.4. Karma IndriyasKarma Indriyas refers to the faculties or instruments of action, namely the five organs of action: the hands, legs, speech, genital organs, and excretory organs. Swami Sivananda stresses that these organs are the means through which we perform our actions in the world. However, without proper control and guidance, these faculties can become instruments of ego and selfish desires. In the practice of Karma Yoga, the aim is to transcend the limitations of the Karma Indriyas by using them as tools for selfless action. Every action performed with the Karma Indriyas should be done as an offering to the divine, without attachment or personal gain. This is in line with the teaching that all actions, if done in alignment with one's Svadharma, can purify the mind and lead to spiritual growth.5. The Pseudo Karma YogiSwami Sivananda cautions against the Pseudo Karma Yogi, who pretends to practice selfless action but is actually driven by personal ...
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    1 hr and 30 mins

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