The meaning of Maya Shakti was explained in the previous episode. Continuing, Swaminiji beautifully elucidates why the nature of this Jagat is māyākalpita, akin to a magician conjuring up an elaborate trick.

The waking world depends upon the waker. The first two mantras discussed in this episode are mahāpratijñā- encapsulates and sets the ground for what is to come. The first mantra explains the svarūpalakṣaṇan and the second mantra explains the taṭasthalakṣaṇa of Brahman.

As we begin the stotram, one is immediately introduced to the essence of Vedanta. The meaning of viśvaṃ is expounded upon beautifully whereby, the world is shown to be nothing but a product of one's 'I cognition'. Everything here is consciousness alone and seeing this as outside of oneself is the cause of sorrow and suffering.

Who is this Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti who teaches in silence? The following verses continue in praise of Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti who is the embodiment of all knowledge, who is pure, calm, who is the meaning of Praṇava (Om) and who is the healer for the removal of the disease of saṃsāra.  

Another name for Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti is Aṣṭamūrti - eight aspected deity.  These aspects are described in detail here. Further, we move onto the second verse where Swaminiji uncovers the symbolism behind the banyan tree. Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti is seated under the banyan tree which represent samsara, telling us that as long as there is saṃsāra Dakṣiṇāmūrti is there to teach this knowledge. Listen to learn more!

Beautifully expounding on the juxtaposition of the Apasmāra under the foot of Lord Dakṣiṇāmūrti which represent one's inner child and the four Rṣis seated around him which represent the emotionally mature adults ready for the knowledge, this episode continues to explain the dhyana sloka. The meaning of cin-mudrā along with why the first and foremost Adi Guru sports a gentle smile and revels in the self is explained brilliantly.

This episode beautifully explains the maunavyākhyā. Lord Dakshinamurty teaches us about that Self, the truth of our selves - the subject which cannot be objectified. The Self being formless and nameless, the Adi Guru teaches through the ingenious pedagogy of negation and the indicatory words to talk about that which is impossible to be described using words.

Dakshinamurthy Stotram is a famous set of verses attributed to Adi Śaṅkara. Stotram is a hymn in praise of the Lord and when recited gives protection. The verses talk about the truth of oneself which is directed to the Bhagavan, manifest in the form of the Ādi Guru, the first teacher -Śrī Dakṣiṇāmūrti.

In this last episode Swaminiji expounds on chapters 13 to 18 of the Bhagavad Gita, whose subject matter is the inquiry into the word 'Asi'- what you are, despite the ignorance.

Bhagavad Gita talks about the nature of reality, of what is. Chapter 7-12 explains this beautifully cultivating a deep acceptance of oneself and everyone around us.