Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

This session was recorded on May 31, 2022.

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📙 Books by Swami Sarvapriyananda

• https://www.vedantany.org/swamis-books

Lecture Series by Swami Sarvapriyananda

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📖 Scriptures Taught by Swami Sarvapriyananda

   • Aparokshanubhuti | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Bhagavad Gita | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriy...  

   • Dṛg Dṛśya Viveka | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna | Swami Sarv...  

   • Isha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Katha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Kena Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mandukya Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mundaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Vedantasara of Sadananda | Swami Sarvapriy...  

🪔 About Vedanta

Vedanta is among the world’s oldest spiritual philosophies and one of its most inclusive. Rooted in the Vedas, India’s sacred scriptures, Vedanta upholds the unity of all existence, the divinity of the soul, and harmony among religions.

🏛️ About This Channel

This is the official channel of the Vedanta Society of New York, a spiritual institution affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India and holds the distinction of being its first established Center, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894. Swami Sarvapriyananda currently serves as the Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Apr 12th, 2026.

List of questions with timestamps:

00:00 - Invocation and opening

01:40 — Is enlightenment just a brain event, or different from dissociation and neurological experiences?

19:17 — How does one move from witness-consciousness to Turiya in practice?

29:31 — What should one do when mantra japa brings up disturbing thoughts and impurities?

40:41 — If awareness and experience seem mutually dependent, how can awareness be the ultimate reality?

51:22 — How should a student deal with pressure, competition, and still find life’s real purpose and peace?

01:12:53 — Can the Katha Upanishad’s chariot analogy be reinterpreted through chidabhasa and reflected consciousness in Advaita?

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📙 Books by Swami Sarvapriyananda

• https://www.vedantany.org/swamis-books

Lecture Series by Swami Sarvapriyananda

📓 Introductory Lectures: https://www.vedantany.org/introductor...

📚 Vedanta Scriptures: https://www.vedantany.org/by-scriptures

🧩 Lectures by Topics: https://www.vedantany.org/by-topic

💬 AskSwami Q&A: https://www.vedantany.org/ask-swami-qa

📖 Scriptures Taught by Swami Sarvapriyananda

   • Aparokshanubhuti | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Bhagavad Gita | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriy...  

   • Dṛg Dṛśya Viveka | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna | Swami Sarv...  

   • Isha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Katha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Kena Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mandukya Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mundaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Vedantasara of Sadananda | Swami Sarvapriy...  

🪔 About Vedanta

Vedanta is among the world’s oldest spiritual philosophies and one of its most inclusive. Rooted in the Vedas, India’s sacred scriptures, Vedanta upholds the unity of all existence, the divinity of the soul, and harmony among religions.

🏛️ About This Channel

This is the official channel of the Vedanta Society of New York, a spiritual institution affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India and holds the distinction of being its first established Center, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894. Swami Sarvapriyananda currently serves as the Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Swami Sarvapriyananda delivers a talk on the fundamental nature of consciousness at ‪@southparkcommons‬ : https://www.southparkcommons.com/

Using the simple framework of C + O = E (Consciousness + Object = Experience) he unpacks ancient insights from Advaita Vedanta. He explores how our true self is the unchanging witness to the ever-changing objects of the world—including our own bodies and minds. The core talk is followed by a Q&A session exploring the intersection of these spiritual truths with modern dilemmas, including AI, the "hard problem" of consciousness, and practical habits for finding focus and fearlessness in daily life.

0:00 — The Parable of the Washerman and the Diamond

5:25 — The Equation of Experience (C + O = E)

9:08 — Insight 1: Consciousness is One

13:33 — Insight 2: Consciousness is Continuous

16:57 — Insight 3: Consciousness is Unchanging

18:43 — Insight 4: The Light of Lights

23:01 — Insight 5: Consciousness is Your True Self

26:18 — Defining Intelligence vs. Consciousness in AI

35:12 — Overcoming Fear and Seeking Security

39:03 — 4 Spiritual Practices for Modern Life

🙏 Please Support the Vedanta Society of New York

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📙 Books by Swami Sarvapriyananda

• https://www.vedantany.org/swamis-books

Lecture Series by Swami Sarvapriyananda

📓 Introductory Lectures: https://www.vedantany.org/introductor...

📚 Vedanta Scriptures: https://www.vedantany.org/by-scriptures

🧩 Lectures by Topics: https://www.vedantany.org/by-topic

💬 AskSwami Q&A: https://www.vedantany.org/ask-swami-qa

📖 Scriptures Taught by Swami Sarvapriyananda

   • Aparokshanubhuti | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Bhagavad Gita | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriy...  

   • Dṛg Dṛśya Viveka | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna | Swami Sarv...  

   • Isha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Katha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Kena Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mandukya Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mundaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Vedantasara of Sadananda | Swami Sarvapriy...  

🪔 About Vedanta

Vedanta is among the world’s oldest spiritual philosophies and one of its most inclusive. Rooted in the Vedas, India’s sacred scriptures, Vedanta upholds the unity of all existence, the divinity of the soul, and harmony among religions.

🏛️ About This Channel

This is the official channel of the Vedanta Society of New York, a spiritual institution affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India and holds the distinction of being its first established Center, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894. Swami Sarvapriyananda currently serves as the Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Dr. Janki Santoke explores the Vedantic understanding of happiness, explaining that lasting joy cannot be found in external objects, achievements, relationships, or even spiritual institutions, but must be discovered and cultivated within oneself. She defines happiness as the cessation of mental agitation, traces agitation to desire, and shows how Vedanta offers a practical path through karma yoga, bhakti yoga, and jnana yoga to purify the mind, sharpen the intellect, reduce desires, and move toward true peace, self-mastery, and ultimately Self-realization.

Dr. Janki Santoke (PhD, Philosophy) is a senior disciple of world-renowned guru, Swami A. Parthasarathy. She has spent more than three decades disseminating the knowledge of Vedanta to the general public, helping enhance the quality of their lives. She facilitates this through online weekly sessions, public talks, workshops, seminars, retreats and written articles. To learn more, please visit: https://janki.santoke.com

This talk was recorded on April 19, 2026.

🙏 Please Support the Vedanta Society of New York

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🌐 Please Visit Us

• Website: https://vedantany.org
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• Facebook:   / vedantany  
• X / Twitter:   / vedantany  

📙 Books by Swami Sarvapriyananda

• https://www.vedantany.org/swamis-books

Lecture Series by Swami Sarvapriyananda

📓 Introductory Lectures: https://www.vedantany.org/introductor...

📚 Vedanta Scriptures: https://www.vedantany.org/by-scriptures

🧩 Lectures by Topics: https://www.vedantany.org/by-topic

💬 AskSwami Q&A: https://www.vedantany.org/ask-swami-qa

📖 Scriptures Taught by Swami Sarvapriyananda

   • Aparokshanubhuti | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Bhagavad Gita | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriy...  

   • Dṛg Dṛśya Viveka | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna | Swami Sarv...  

   • Isha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Katha Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Kena Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mandukya Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Mundaka Upanishad | Swami Sarvapriyananda  

   • Vedantasara of Sadananda | Swami Sarvapriy...  

🪔 About Vedanta

Vedanta is among the world’s oldest spiritual philosophies and one of its most inclusive. Rooted in the Vedas, India’s sacred scriptures, Vedanta upholds the unity of all existence, the divinity of the soul, and harmony among religions.

🏛️ About This Channel

This is the official channel of the Vedanta Society of New York, a spiritual institution affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India and holds the distinction of being its first established Center, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894. Swami Sarvapriyananda currently serves as the Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Swami Sarvapriyananda continues teaching verse 6 from the fifteenth chapter, entitled Purushottama Yoga, the Yoga of the Supreme Being, of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks by Swami Sarvapriyananda on the Bhagavad Gita, 'the Song of God,' unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta.

____________

Chapter 15, Verse 6

न तद्भासयते सूर्यो न शशाङ्को न पावक: |

यद्गत्वा न निवर्तन्ते तद्धाम परमं मम || 6||

na tad bhāsayate sūryo na śhaśhāṅko na pāvakaḥ

yad gatvā na nivartante tad dhāma paramaṁ mama

Neither the sun nor the moon, nor fire can illumine that Supreme Abode of Mine. Having gone There, one does not return to this material world again.

____________

🙏 Please Support the Vedanta Society of New York

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• Website: https://vedantany.org
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• YouTube (Main Channel):    / @vedantany  
• YouTube (Archives):    / @vedantanyarchives  
• Facebook:   / vedantany  
• X / Twitter:   / vedantany  

📙 Books by Swami Sarvapriyananda

• https://www.vedantany.org/swamis-books

Lecture Series by Swami Sarvapriyananda

📓 Introductory Lectures: https://www.vedantany.org/introductor...

📚 Vedanta Scriptures: https://www.vedantany.org/by-scriptures

🧩 Lectures by Topics: https://www.vedantany.org/by-topic

💬 AskSwami Q&A: https://www.vedantany.org/ask-swami-qa

🪔 About Vedanta

Vedanta is among the world’s oldest spiritual philosophies and one of its most inclusive. Rooted in the Vedas, India’s sacred scriptures, Vedanta upholds the unity of all existence, the divinity of the soul, and harmony among religions.

🏛️ About This Channel

This is the official channel of the Vedanta Society of New York, a spiritual institution affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India and holds the distinction of being its first established Center, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894. Swami Sarvapriyananda currently serves as the Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Swami Sarvapriyananda continues teaching verse 5 from the fifteenth chapter, entitled Purushottama Yoga, the Yoga of the Supreme Being, of the Bhagavad Gita. This series of talks by Swami Sarvapriyananda on the Bhagavad Gita, 'the Song of God,' unfolds the highest truths of Vedanta.

____________

Chapter 15, Verse 5

निर्मानमोहा जितसङ्गदोषा

अध्यात्मनित्या विनिवृत्तकामा: |

द्वन्द्वैर्विमुक्ता: सुखदु:खसंज्ञै

र्गच्छन्त्यमूढा: पदमव्ययं तत् || 5||

nirmāna-mohā jita-saṅga-doṣhā

adhyātma-nityā vinivṛitta-kāmāḥ

dvandvair vimuktāḥ sukha-duḥkha-sanjñair

gachchhanty amūḍhāḥ padam avyayaṁ tat

⧫ Free from pride and delusion, overcoming the evil of attachment, ever devoted to spiritual pursuits, rid of desires and the dual throng named pleasure and pain, the wise go to the immutable goal.

_________________

🙏 Please Support the Vedanta Society of New York

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🌐 Please Visit Us

• Website: https://vedantany.org
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• YouTube (Main Channel):    / @vedantany  
• YouTube (Archives):    / @vedantanyarchives  
• Facebook:   / vedantany  
• X / Twitter:   / vedantany  

📙 Books by Swami Sarvapriyananda

• https://www.vedantany.org/swamis-books

Lecture Series by Swami Sarvapriyananda

📓 Introductory Lectures: https://www.vedantany.org/introductor...

📚 Vedanta Scriptures: https://www.vedantany.org/by-scriptures

🧩 Lectures by Topics: https://www.vedantany.org/by-topic

💬 AskSwami Q&A: https://www.vedantany.org/ask-swami-qa

🪔 About Vedanta

Vedanta is among the world’s oldest spiritual philosophies and one of its most inclusive. Rooted in the Vedas, India’s sacred scriptures, Vedanta upholds the unity of all existence, the divinity of the soul, and harmony among religions.

🏛️ About This Channel

This is the official channel of the Vedanta Society of New York, a spiritual institution affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India and holds the distinction of being its first established Center, founded by Swami Vivekananda in 1894. Swami Sarvapriyananda currently serves as the Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Swami Sarvapriyananda reflects on the Bhagavad Gita’s image of the “axe of non-attachment,” showing how renunciation is not a negative rejection of life but a turning from the lower to the higher. He explains that true detachment means loosening the hold of worldly desires, ego, and endless striving so that one can direct life toward God-realization, freedom, and immortality.

00:00 - Invocation

00:46 - Easter, immortality, and the promise of religion

02:46 - The axe of non-attachment in the Bhagavad Gita

06:34 - Christ as an ideal of renunciation

09:40 - Renunciation as the turning point in every yoga

18:02 - Detachment as moving toward the higher, not fighting the lower

28:51 - Beginning the search for the real

30:30 - Worldly devotion and true devotion to God

The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna | Swami Sarvapriyananda

Swami Sarvapriyananda reads and discusses the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna. The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna is an English translation of the Bengali spiritual text Sri Sri Ramakrishna Kathamrita by Swami Nikhilananda. The text records conversations of Ramakrishna with his disciples, devotees and visitors, recorded by Mahendranath Gupta, who wrote the book under the pseudonym of "M."

Swami Sarvapriyananda explores how modern science, especially neuroscience, consciousness studies, and AI, is beginning to circle back to questions Vedanta has examined for centuries. The lecture shows that while science has become increasingly sophisticated in studying the brain and mental processes, the fundamental mystery of consciousness remains unresolved, and Vedantic insights may offer a deeper framework for understanding it.

00:00 - Introduction

00:50 - Consciousness and Vedanta

03:19 - Science and spirituality must meet

09:04 - The hard problem of consciousness

21:31 - Why neuroscience still has not solved consciousness

27:13 - Consciousness first, not matter first

54:53 - AI, quantum theory, and Vedantic parallels

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Mar 29th, 2026.

List of questions with timestamps:

00:00 - Invocation and opening

01:32 - Why Vedanta first says you are consciousness and not body-mind if everything is Brahman anyway.

22:05 - How to distinguish pure Self from awareness that seems to arise through body and mind.

50:48 - If I am only consciousness and a witness, what is the meaning of life and experience.

01:00:48 - Why Vivekananda’s emphasis on service can seem different from Sri Ramakrishna’s teachings.

01:11:43 - Why profound inner experience should point to one universal Atman rather than only a local conscious state.

01:24:24 - Where Ananda fits into the description “Satyam Jnanam Anantam Brahma.”