Hari Om !!

Tattva Bodha 08/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda ji, Chinmaya Mission Chicago-Yamunotri.

Swāmi Aparājitānandaji explains the astonishing process of panchikaran and the great secret of oneness at anātmā level (pindānda and brahmānda) and at ātmā level (by two models - reflection and limitation) at great length. These complex concepts are clarified at great length through very sweet children's story-like examples.The practical significance and message of the concepts of oneness and sacrifice and punishment for leading a selfish life and vice versa are all explained fully and beautifully. Equations in Creation and Spirituality: • What are the material and efficient causes of this creation? • What is panchikaranam? • What is svabhāga chatushtaya sanyojanam kāryam? • What is tushni? • What is the proof of manner in which gross elements came into being? • What are panchikruta pancha-mahābhutas? • How are the microcosm and macrocosm related to each other? • What is the purpose of studying the Creation and its evolution? • What is Dharma? • How does the cosmos teach us our Dharma? • What is the right way of living your life? • What is pratibimba-vāda? • What is parichheda-vāda? • What is upādhi? • What is a mahāvākya? • Who is a jīvātmā? • Who is Īshvara? • Is jīva different from Īshvara? • What is the context in which these terms are used: jīva, Īshvara, jīvātmā, Ātmā, Brahman, pindānda, Brahmānda? • Why is bheda drishti not acceptable?(Tattvabodha - Talk 8 of 10)

Hari Om !!

Bhagavān Shankarāchārya ji takes up samashti vichāra and focuses on cause of Creation and method of origin of 24 (twenty four) basic principles defining the world.Swāmi Aparājitānandaji explains the above amazing concepts, which have the thrill of suspense and charm of a fairy tale, very aptly and in an engrossing manner. DON'T MISS: the beautiful verse giving the essence of the entire scriptures quoted and explained by Swamiji which is a dialogue between teacher and student and how the teacher guides the student's attention from the outer world to the Inner Reality.The wonder called world: • What is the message given by the scriptures about the first and foremost priority of our life? • What is the cause of this creation? • How has the knowledge of evolution of the world evolved? • What are the 24 (twenty four) principles from which the world has come into being? • What is the difference between Ātmā and Brahman? • What is Māyā? What are its 3 (three) powers? • Which are the 4 (stages) of evolution? • What is tanmātrā? • What are the properties inherited by the 5 subtle elements? • How do the organs of knowledge come into existence? • What is antahakarna? • What are sankalpa and vikalpa? • What is buddhi? • What is chittam? • What is aham vritti? • What is ahankāra? • Who are the presiding deities of the mind and intellect? Why? • What is the meaning of Rudra? • What is the meaning of Vāsudeva? • How do the organs of action come into existence? • What is 'andha-pangu' nyāya? • Who are the energisers for the pancha karmendriyas? How did they come into existence?(Tattvabodha - Talk 7 of 10)

Hari Om !!

Tattvabodha 06/10 - Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri.

Bhagavān Shankarāchārya ji, concluding vyashti vichāra, presents the last anātmā i.e. pancha koshas. He lays down logic and methodology of scriptures for Enquiry and defines Ātmā.Swāmi Aparājitānandaji, after a brief and crisp revision, cross-examines the last suspect - pancha koshas - thoroughly and beautifully explains the logic and method of Enquiry by various practical examples and unfolds the most eagerly awaited suspense of Ātmā."Behind the curtains" and "Mirror! Mirror!": • What is a kosha? • Which are the 5 (pancha) koshas (sheaths) covering the Ātmā? • What is the true meaning of "covering"? • How do each of the sheaths cover the Ātmā? • What is the cause of this physical body? • Which is the energising aspect of the body? • Hunger and thirst are the functions of which sheath? • Kriya shakti belongs to which kosha? • What is the degree of subtleness in each of the koshas? • The power to desire belongs to which kosha? • What is desire? • Knowledge is a pre-requisite for which two sheaths? • Which is the most important thing to be done in life? • How does ānandamaya kosha give you peace and happiness in the deep sleep state? • What is malīna sattva? • Which is the only shariram active in deep sleep state? • Why are we ignorant of our bliss in deep sleep state? • How do you experience joy in the waking state? • What is the difference between priya, moda and pramoda? • Are Ātmā and ānandamaya kosha same? Why? • What is Anātmā? • What is the logic of studying Anātmā to prove and know Ātmā? • What are pratijñyā, hetu, drishtānta, niyama, upanayaha and nigamanam? • What is svarūpa lakshanam of Ātmā? • What exists at all points of time? • What is our experience when we identify with the physical body? • Why do we not want to die? • What are the two types of existence? • What is the Knowing Principle? • What is Satchitānanda? • What is the proof that happiness is our real nature? • What is moksha? • What is the true test of spiritual progress? • What is the purpose of Spirituality? • What is the attach - detach formula of Spirituality? • What is the difference between parināmi nitya and kūtastha nitya? • What is vyashti vichāra? • What is the relation between ānanda and ananta?(Tattvabodha - Talk 6 of 10)

Hari Om !!

Tattvabodha 05/10 -Talk in English by Swami Aparajitananda, Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri.

Continuing the analysis of what is not Ātmā in order to understand the Ātmā, Bhagavān Adi Shankaracharya ji describes kārana shariram and the three states of experience.Swami Aparajitanandaji not only beautifully explains these concepts, he also goes on to explain the pancha prānas which are not defined in this text.Points for revision: • What are the pancha prānas? • How does the body indicate that there is a shortage of energy? • What are samāna vāyu, vyāna vāyu, prāna vāyu, apāna vāyu and udāna vāyu? What are their functions? • What is meaning of 'an', 'pra', 'ap', 'vi', 'ut' and 'sam'? • How can you keep your prānas strong? • What is kārana shariram (causal body)? Why is it called so? • Where do desires originate from? • Where do we search for happiness normally? • When did ignorance about our Self start? • How is ignorance of Self responsible for your body? • What are the 5 (five) factors through which we can describe a thing? • Is it possible to describe the causal body? • Is the kārana shariram Ātmā? • Is the causal body Sat, asat or mithyā? • How can the causal body be experienced? • How is nirvikalpa samādhi different from kārana shariram? • What is the cause of causal body? • What is our experience in deep sleep? • How long does kārana shariram exist? • What is the only thing that can destroy kārana shariram? • Which are the three states of experience (avasthās)? • When is Ātmā called vishva, tejas and prājnya? • When is the Ātmā identified with the gross body and the subtle body? • What is the meaning of prapancha? • How are our dreams created? • What is the importance of keeping the mind pure? • Which is the wonder equipment which is a recorder in waking state and which becomes a player in dream state? • Which bodies are active in dream state? • What are we identified with in dream state? • What are our experiences in deep sleep? • What is the difference between experience in deep sleep and that in Samādhi? • What is the proof that Ātma is real? • What is the meaning of kosha?(Tattvabodha - Talk 5 of 10)

Hari Om !!

As the great enquiry by Bhagavān Ādi Shankarācharya ji becomes subtler and more amazing, Swāmi Aparājitānandaji's concern to lift us to the loftier levels of understanding is evident from the extent and inclusiveness of his explanations. Swāmiji also infuses a very relatable logic into the talk which makes it all the more interesting and enjoyable and brings this subtle knowledge within our grasp.Points for reflection: • How is the perspective of Permanent - impermanent different from that of Truth - untruth? • Which is the only way to alleviate your suffering? • What is the goal of Self enquiry? • Is the physical self Ātmā? • What is the source of knowledge described in Tattvabodha? • What is sūkshma sharira (subtle body)? What is its nature? What are its material and efficient causes? What is it made of? • Which is the instrument with which we experience joys and sorrows? • What are the 17 constituents of subtle body? • Which are the 5 (five) jñānendriyas (organs of knowledge or perception)? What are their functions? • Which are the 5 (five) karmendriyas (organs of action)? What are their functions? • What is golaka? How is it different from indriya? • Which are the adhishthāna devatāha (presiding deities) for each of the indriyas? • What is the function of the presiding deities? • Why do we have 33 crore devatās in Hinduism? Why can't we see them? • Where do the presiding deities get their powers from? • What is the logic behind each presiding deity governing a particular ability of perception or action? • Why are some of us endowed with more powerful jñānendriyas than others? Who decides what we are endowed with? • Which are the 6 (six) types of living beings depending upon the availability of the fullness of sūkshma sharira? • What do the four heads of Brahmāji represent?(Tattvabodha - Talk 4 of 10)

Hari Om!!

Swāmi Aparājitānandaji concludes explanation on the shamādi shatka sampatti and sādhana chatushtaya and enters into the systematic enquiry of the Self (Ātmā), which Bhagavān Ādi Shankarāchāryaji describes using fourteen terms. The first of these terms, sthūla sharira, is elaborated upon today.Let us be alert and briskly follow Swāmiji into this great enquiry by Bhagavān Shankarāchāryaji!Gateways to today's talk: • What is antar-indriya? • What is titiksha at the body, mind, intellect level? • How is titiksha defined in Vivekachūdamani? • What is the loss in not applying titiksha? • What are the ways in which mind can be kept peaceful even while enduring the pinpricks of life? • What is shraddhā? How is it developed? • Why is faith important in Spirituality? • Why is God beyond proof and disproof? • When does shradhhā become your jñāna (knowledge)? • What is the source of shraddhā? • What is samādhānam? • Why do some of the greatest scientists sit in meditation before entering their labs? • What are the four Ds that a seeker should cultivate to be fit to enquire into the Ultimate Truth? • How to become a fit student of Spirituality as per Bhagavad Gītā? • What is tattva-viveka? • What is Ātmā? • What is mithyā? • What are the 3 (three) ways to define anything in Spirituality? • What is svarūpa-lakshana? • What is tatastha-lakshana? • What is atatvyāvritti-lakshana or the "neti neti method"? • Which are the 14 (fourteen) terms introduced by Bhagavān Adi Shankaracharya ji to explain the term Ātmā? • What is sthūla (condition of the body)? • What is upādāna kāranam (material cause)? • What is nimitta kāranam (efficient cause)? • What has decided the nature and form of our present body? • What are the 3 (three) types of experiences? • What is the function of body? • Which is the city of 9 (nine) gates? What are the gates? • What is the nature or properties of the body i.e. 6 (six) modifications of the body?( Tattvabodha - Talk 3 of 10)

Hari Om !!

In this talk and all following talks, we find Swami Aparajitanandaji's explanations leading us to an astonishing treasure hunt wherein a clue is given and when solved, we find next clue hidden therein and so on. Bhagavān Adi Shankaracharya ji summarises teachings of Upanishads (points to jīva-Brahma aikya) through a very systematic mode of enquiry which is very curious, exciting and fascinating.Swamiji explains the concepts at great length also quoting from Vivekachūdāmani, Bhagavad Gītā and other texts where necessary.Check your TQ (Tattvabodha Quotient): • What is pāribhāshika shabda? • Who is the adhikāri (qualified student) of this text? • What is the true meaning of moksha? • What is a pratijñya? • What is importance of the systematic methodology for study of scriptures? • What is sādhana-chatushtaya (four-fold qualifications)? How do they help? • What is viveka and vīraga? Why and how to cultivate them? • What is shamādishatka sampatti (six-fold wealth)? • What is mumukshutvam? • What is the one common goal of life for each one of us? • What is nityatvam and anityatvam? • What should we hold on to - God or the world? • Is vairāgya same as abstaining from pleasures? • What are the defects of sense pleasures? • What is the sum and substance of spirituality? • What are shama, dama, uparati (or uparama)? • How to maintain the quietude of mind? • What is the difference between responding and reacting to a situation? • Why do situations keep recurring in our lives? • What are the 5 (five) types of karma (actions)? Which ones to do and which to avoid? • What is the greatest Svadharma?( Tattvabodha - Talk 2 of 10)

Hari Om !!

Tattvabodha is one of the most important Prakarana Granthas composed by Bhagavān Adi Shankaracharya ji. This can be called the Book of Definitions of terms used in Vedānta. Studying this text will consolidate / revise your fundamentals of Vedānta and will prove useful for further study of the scriptures.The opening talk by Swami Aparajitanandaji is a curtain raiser - an introduction of this wonder text. The four layers of sources of spiritual knowledge are explained in detail along with the invocation verse. Just as Tattvabodha is the bridge between us and Vedantic Knowledge in the scriptures, Swamiji's talk serves as a bridge between us and Tattvabodha.

The ABCs of Tattvabodha:

• What is a Prakarana Grantha?

• What are the 4 (four) layers of scriptures in Hinduism?

• Which is the primary source of all spiritual knowledge?

• What are the verses in the Vedas called?

• What are the 4 (four) types of contents of the Vedas depending upon what they reveal?

• Which are the 4 (four) Vedas?

• Is Bhagavad Gītā Shruti or Smriti?

• Where do we find the logical explanation and reasoning of the statements of the Shrutis?

• Are Vedas the ultimate authority on worldy matters?

• What is the purpose of Prakarana Granthas?

• What are the meanings of tattva and bodha?

• What are the 3 (three) types of reality?

• Which reality is spoken about in Tattvabodha?

• Why should we pray before studying any text?

• Why is meant by mangalācharan?

• What are the advantages of a quiet mind?

• What are the 3 (three) sources of obstructions in learning process?

• What is the meaning of Vāsudeva?

• What is the meaning of Indra?

• What is the meaning of 'dehli dīpa nyāya'?

• What is the meaning of Guru?

• What is anubandha chatushtaya?

• Why is Tattvabodha important for mumukshus (seekers of liberation)?

• What is bodhya-bodhaka sambandha?

( Tattvabodha - Talk 1 of 10)

The Power of Gita Panchamrit – Swami Aparajitananda Ji's Divine Chanting!

Gita Panchamrit, Special five nectarean teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as a practical guide for living with purpose and balance. Through them, seekers are led from confusion to clarity, from anxiety to trust, and from self-centered effort to selfless action.

1. Take charge of your life and rise up

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥uddharedātmanātmānam nātmānamavasādayetātmaiva hyātmano bandhurātmaiva ripurātmanah (6.5)

Let a man lift himself by his own Self alone, and let him notlower himself; for, this Self alone is the friend of oneselfand this Self is the enemy of oneself.

2. How Does One Uplift Oneself?

कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचनमा कर्मफल हेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ||karmanyevādhikāraste mā phaleşu kadācanamā karmaphalaheturbhūrmā te sańgo'stvakarmani (2.47)

Thy right is to work only, but never to its fruits; let the fruitof-action be not thy motive, nor let thy attachment be toinaction

3. Develop an Attitude of Dedication

यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत्यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् |yatkaroşi yadaśnāsi yajjuhoşi dadāsi yatyattapasyasi kaunteya tatkuruşva madarpanam (9.27)

Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you offer insacrifice, whatever you give in charity, whatever you practiceas austerity, O Kaunteya, do it as an offering to Me.

4. Shri Krishna's Assurance

अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासतेतेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ||INMAYA Mananyāśchintayanto mām ye janāḥ paryupāsateteşhām nityābhiyuktānām yogakşemam vahāmyaham (9.22)

To those men who worship Me alone, thinking of no other, tothose ever self-controlled, I secure for them that which is notalready possessed by them (YOGA), and preserve for themwhat they already possess (KSHEMА).

5. Bhagavan Frees Us from All Bondages

सर्वधर्मान्परित्यज्य मामेकं शरणं व्रज |अहं त्वा सर्वपापेभ्यो मोक्षयिष्यामि मा शुचः |sarvadharmānparityajya māmekam śaraņam vrajaaham tvām sarvapāpebhyo mokşhayişhyāmi mā śucah (18.66)

Abandoning all dharmas (of the body, mind and intellect),take refuge in Me alone; I will liberate thee from all sins;grieve not.