Guha, the forest king, narrates the story of his obsession with kicking Shiva's statue. This is a wonderful lesson on the power of constant, obstinate seeking.

The beauty of Lord Rama Pt 1

Jan 21st, 2024 14m 28s

Ramayana is by far my favorite story of all time and a story that has touched me like no other. Lord Rama's forbearance and selflessness in spite of severe travails and suffering is impossible to emulate but an inspiration that has touched the

Bonus

The sound of ONE hand clapping pt2

Dec 21st, 2023 5m 42s

So here's the answer you were not looking for

Bonus

The sound of ONE hand clapping part 1

Dec 7th, 2023 4m 17s

Zen koans are magic. We begin with one that's commonly known - the sound of one hand clapping. Let's figure this one out together.

Reading from the Gita - Chapter 2: The Yoga of Knowledge

May 13th, 2023 34m 58s

I read from the Bhagavad Gita (the Song of God). I digress too, there is some Kipling and a seminal punk band called Television.

Seeker, beware: A word of warning

Jan 30th, 2022 7m 25s

When you know, then you don't. Be wary of the thought that you know the truth and all the other thoughts that are birthed when this thought gets firmly set.

The empty boat - readings from The Way of Chuang Tzu

Dec 12th, 2021 21m 36s

Who can free himself from achievement, And from fame, descend and be lost, Amid the masses of men? He will flow like Tao, unseen. ~ Chuang Tzu (The Empty ⛵)

Readings from The Way of Chuang Tzu (part 1)

Nov 6th, 2021 14m 24s

Chuang Tzu, a Taoist monk, lived in ancient China about 2500 years ago. His teachings are funny, insightful and potent. I would like to read and comment on a few of his writings in the coming episodes starting with this one.

Heart Sutra (beyond wisdom to truth aka the perfection of wisdom) - a reading and commentary

May 19th, 2021 29m 32s

The Heart Sutra is one of the most popular Buddhist sutras. It is short, just 250 words or so, but supremely potent. Even one reading of this classic can empty your mind of all its 'wisdom' and reveal the truth in a flash. In this episode I rea

Faith Mind Sutra - a reading

May 14th, 2021 42m 56s

Today, I read the Faith Mind Sutra (from here - http://www.mendosa.com/way.html). Written by Seng-ts'an, Third Chinese Patriarch, this is a seminal and powerful introduction to non-duality that demystifies The Way and makes it accessible for al

Hold no opinions

May 9th, 2021 13m 5s

The mind's preferences and opinions are the key reason it is difficult to turn it inward. Watch out for this pattern and you'll find yourself more at peace. I read excerpts (relevant to this mind pattern) from the Tao Te Ching and the Faith Min

Finding the Way (to 😊)

May 1st, 2021 18m 19s

What is true seeking? And how do you know if it's the right path that you're on?

Who am I? (a reading of Sri Ramana Maharshi's powerful teachings)

Apr 24th, 2021 47m 7s

In this episode, I talk about Sri Ramana Maharshi's seminal work on enlightenment and the spiritual quest. 'Who am I?' is a set of questions and answers that succinctly and beautifully surmise Maharshi's teachings. I read through the entire tex

Don't give up, you'll get there.

Mar 24th, 2021 14m 51s

Persistence with practice, patience and an intense desire for awakening are the three things needed to succeed on the spiritual path. Two Zen stories illustrate why this pursuit needs much more than just reading a few good books.

Bonus

The mad, mad monk and the moon

Mar 22nd, 2021 8m 9s

I found another Zen story about the Moon that I'd like to share. This one is about laughter and emptiness -- it's no coincidence that many enlightened people laugh loudly and quite often.

Chiyono's broken bucket reflects Maharshi's moon

Mar 21st, 2021 22m 59s

There are striking similarities in the teachings of Zen buddhism and the advaita teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. I found a beautiful story that talks about the practice of zazen and I was immediately struck with not only the teachings being e

The Buddha state of mind

Mar 1st, 2021 9m 40s

Being enlightened isn't about having a superpower, it's about being at peace always. The story of Zen master Hakuin perfectly illustrates the Buddha state of mind (the enlightened state).

Everything is an illusion

Feb 27th, 2021 16m 57s

You must have heard someone say 'Its all maya' or 'this world is an illusion'. What does that even mean? Don't I have that important meeting next week? Aren't my wife and kids real?

A fundamental change in how you view the world

Feb 3rd, 2021 8m 39s

Maharshi's teachings when practiced dismantle your preset conditioning and offer you a perspective that leads to peace of mind and happiness. Since a fundamental change in outlook is needed, Advaita as a practice is challenging and difficult.

Self-enquiry: Notes on the practice

Jan 26th, 2021 13m 40s

Important notes on the practice of Self-enquiry and why one should persist with it inspite of initial obstacles. Also, a gentle reminder not to judge your thoughts.

Ramana Maharshi's practice of Self-enquiry

Jan 17th, 2021 12m 23s

This is the only practice that the Maharshi recommended. It's super effective and a surefire way to Self-realisation. I've tried to simplify the practice for you while retaining it's essence and explaining the logic.

Bonus

Accept and BE Fearless

Dec 23rd, 2020 5m 30s

Why we shouldn't bother about the Netflix actors who are so worried about losing what they have or not getting what they want.

Acceptance & Fearlessness

Dec 14th, 2020 10m 23s

Once there is true understanding, there is complete acceptance (it is what it is) and absolute fearlessness (who is it who's afraid?).

Humility & Compassion

Oct 24th, 2020 11m 47s

Once you understand and realise that we are all one, that we are all that one pure consciousness; you can then see the logic of humility and compassion. The feeling that "I" am different from the "other" is an ego generated illusion that leads