Good Conduct

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      Spiritualizing Temple Leadership HMEC 2012

      Presentation on "Spiritualizing Temple Leadership," given to the Hindu Mandir Executives' Conference on August 18, 2012, by Hinduism Today assistant editor Sannyasin Senthilnathaswami. In this presentation, Sannyasin emphasises the importance of maintaining ...

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      The Journey to Liberation

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the October/November/December 2015 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. "Though moksha may seem remote, there is wisdom in keeping this ultimate goal in mind as we live our day-to-day life." Bodhinatha explains how daily sadhana which includes worship, introspection, affirmation and study is a ...

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      May 2016 Pubdesk Video

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the July/August/September 2016 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. "It is easy to talk high philosophy in Hinduism, 'man is God,' 'we are divine,' it is easy to say profound things...however to put these principles into practice to the extent that we really are a more spiritual person, that is the challenge. And that, is what we will explore here." Bodhinatha considers 5 ways the attitude of a dancer is similar to an individual ...

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      The Aim of Hindu Practices - Publisher's Desk

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the January/February/March 2015 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. Dharma, seva, puja and raja yoga lead to purification of the mind, which is the ...

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      Making Dharma Your Own - Publisher's Desk

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the October/November/December 2016 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. "Dharma is a complex and comprehensive term with many meanings, including religion, divine law, law of being, way of righteousness, ethics, duty, responsibility, virtue, justice, goodness and truth." Bodhinatha refers to Auvaiyar's Atti Chudhi verses - first verse focusing on the desire ...

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      Mysticism and Religion

      Sadasivanathaswami imparts how mysticism is an integral part of Hinduism and compares Gurudeva's teachings to other religions' views on meditation, yoga and mysticism in general. Master Course Trilogy, Living with ...

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      Willpower, Realization, Liberation and Merger with Siva

      An upadesha by Bodhinatha. Understanding the mind is 50% of control of the mind. In order to achieve this, we need to cultivate willpower. Realization leads to Liberation which leads ...

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      How to Live Spiritually 24 Hours/Day

      During a seminar at the Hindu Association of West Texas in Midland, Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami explains the paradigm shift required in order to look at our entire day as an ...

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      We Are Whom We Meet - Publisher's Desk

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the October/November/December 2010 edition of HInduism Today magazine. "The company we keep affects our attitudes, speech and actions as profoundly as the foods we eat." Bodhinatha explains how we can strive to keep good companionship and not be influenced ...

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      Introduction to Hinduism (Part 2/5)

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami, publisher of Hinduism Today magazine, reads his Publisher's Desk article from the April/May/June 2009 issue.In part 2, Bodhinatha outlines the four basic Hindu beliefs, namely, Karma, reincarnation, ...

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      Behold the Sacred Lotus Flower - Publisher's Desk

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the Apr/May/Jun 2012 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. Bodhinatha uses the analogy of a bud blossoming into a beautiful lotus flower in order ...

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      Be a Spiritual Leader

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives a presentation on a topic which featured in the June/July/August 2011 edition of the Hinduism Today's Publisher Desk article entirled "Be a Spiritual Leader". In this presentation Bodhinatha ...

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      Behold the Sacred Lotus Flower

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives a presentation on topic which featured in the April/May/June 2012 Hinduism Today edition entitled "Behold the Sacred Lotus Flower". In this presentation, Bodhinatha reminds us that the seed of ...

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      Practice Makes Perfect

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives a presentation on a topic entitled "Practice Makes Perfect" which featured in the Jan/Feb/Mar 2011 Hinduism Today. In this Presentation Bodhinatha explains that deep inside we are perfect ...

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      The World is an Ashram

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives a presentation on a topic entitled "The World is an Ashram" which featured in the Apr/May/Jun 2006 Hinduism Today edition. Our Gurus proclaim that from a Hindu perspective the world ...

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      Karma Yoga

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives a presentation entitled "Karma Yoga". In this presentation, Bodhinatha delves into the spiritualizatio of action, outlines how the orderly fulfilment of duties to the best of ...

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      Hinduism: Religion or Way of Life?

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the Apr/May/Jun 2013 edition of Hinduism Today magazine, confronting a long-standing misapprehension about our faith, showing us why Hinduism is more than a ...

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      Ten Tales About Religious Life

      Ten Tales About Religious Life is a series of short stories for 10 to 12-year-olds illustrating key concepts for good conduct for Hindus in a modern context in a cultural ...

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      Path to Higher Consciousness - Publisher's Desk

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the Oct/Nov/Dec 2014 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. In this edition Bodhinatha outlines how virtuous living which consists of performance of dharma, selfless ...

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      The Art of Listening

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads his editorial from the July/August/September 2015 edition of Hinduism Today magazine. In this edition Bodhinatha explains how listening is an art which can lead to spiritual ...

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      What Is True Success?

      Bodhinatha's presentation is based on the Oct/Nov/Dec 2004 Hinduism Today edition and is entitled "What is True Sucess?" Hinduism favors and furthers the pursuit of wealth, pleasure and happiness--all guided by dharma. Happiness ...

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      An Alternative to Happiness

      Bodhinatha's presentation is based on the Jan/Feb/Mar 2017 Hinduism Today edition and is entitled "An Alternative to Happiness". Bodhinatha considers the fleeting nature of happiness in the material world and outlines how ...

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      Ten Tales About Self-Control

      Ten Tales About Self-Control is a series of short stories for 10 to 12-year-olds illustrating key concepts for good conduct for Hindus in a modern context in a cultural setting ...

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      Appreciation

      Many times we don't tell people how much we appreciate them. A bird visited us for lunch a number of days in a row and took some food each day. ...

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      Fixing Problems

      Problems are important for spiritual progress. We need a Guru to help us see our problems. We need to accept what comes to us as our karma, we don't because ...

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      Finding Affectionate Detachment

      Bodhinatha describes the various kinds of negative attachment and methods by which to free ourselves from attachments to negative experiences in the past. Moving from negative attachment to "unaffectionate detachment" to ...

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      The Lessons of Water

      Bodhinatha talks about rain and water and their importance. We live by a river at the Aadheenam and it offers a lot: the mystical teaching of the soul's merger in ...

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      The Magic of the High EE

      Sometimes we don't hear the high "ee" sound. Gurudeva says it is only there when the subconscious mind is free of problems, conflict and unresolved issues. We know they are ...

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      Jayanthi Address

      Gurudeva's Shakti is so strong here at Kauai Aadheenam, stronger than any other place. Initiations are an important part of Saivism. It starts an inner process. The Paramachaya initiations of ...

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      Mistakes are not problems

      Cybertalk: Gurudeva said, "Problems are not problems. A problem is a repetition of the past that needs to be adjusted." It means that when we make a mistake, we think that we shouldn't have done what we did; it would be better if it didn't happen. ...

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      Karma is not destiny

      If the manifestation of karma is inevitable, why do parents need to discipline their children at all? If something is in the child's karma and it's going to manifest inevitably, ...

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      Local Martin Luther King Day Speech

      Bodhinatha give his final speech that he has prepared for the coming Martin Lurther King Day. Since the September 11 events, people are distrusting others. That leads to hatred and ...

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      Martin Luther King Day and Hinduism on Tolerance

      Parents need to teach tolerance. There are many practical ways to systematically do this from the pamphlet from the Southern Poverty Law Center http://www.splcenter.org/ such as avoiding stereotypes and valuing ...

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      Karma Management Part 1

      I get many questions about karma that are way off the mark. We need to understand karma and apply it to our life. Here are 4 of the principles Principle ...

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      Karma Management Part 2

      Review of part 1 plus... Fifth principle: create no negative karmas. Refrain from actions that will create negative karmas. Promise to. Sixth principle: Mitigate past karma. As long as we're ...

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      To err is human...

      To err is human, to make a mistake only once is divine. Go beyond feeling bad about making a mistake and find out why and prevent it from happening next ...

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      Moksha, Realizing God

      There is a misconception that one day we are experiencing zero percent God, then the next moment we are experiencing 100 percent God. Enlightenment doesn't just happen in an instant. ...

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      Ahimsa in Speech (Part 1)

      Ahimsa is a central principle in Hinduism. Let us take a look at the words we use in joking and teasing. These words are hurting. How do we know? Gurudeva ...

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      Ahimsa in Speech (Part 2)

      Ahimsa is a central principle in Hinduism. Let us take a look at the words we use in joking and teasing. These words are hurting. How do we know? Gurudeva ...

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      Austerity Part 1

      Bodhinatha elaborates on the four-fold concept of austerity, which Gurudeva defined as sadhana, penance, tapas and sacrifice. So, why bother performing austerities? It increases our speed on the spiritual path. ...

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      The Self is like Waking Up

      The Realization of Parasiva is like waking up from a dream during which you were dreaming that you weren't the Self. But you were all along. Claim it. Tamil word ...

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      Foundation of Bhakti

      Cybertalk: Bodhinatha reads from and gives bhashya on today's Master Course lesson of the Day from Gurudeva's trilogy, Dancing with Siva, Living with Siva and Merging with Siva. Lord Ganesha ...

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      Feedback on Words that Hurt

      We received some feedback on the last talk on words that hurt. Many found that teasing and joking definitely don't pass the tests. Good motive, but flawed method. How do ...

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      Communicating with a Departed Guru

      Drawing from the lesson of the day, we can send messages to departed loved ones in the inner worlds. Gurudeva said that chelas (close initiated disciples) communicate with their departed ...

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      Do I Now Have Two Gurus?

      A question came in by e-mail"Do I have two gurus now? Are both you and Gurudeva my guru?" Each guru works inwardly from the inner worlds with his initiated successor, ...

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      Dealing with Discouragement

      How do we deal with discouragement? Gurudeva gave us a tool, the vasana daha tantra, to deal with events that hit us emotionally. The subconscious mind dutifully throws up memories ...

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      The Power of Consensualocracy

      Consensualocracy was conceived by Gurudeva as a system of government or management by intelligent cooperation based on a shared vision and adherence to dharma. It is the preferred way of ...

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      Take a Moment to Listen to the Birds

      The weather is beginning to warm up again on Kauai, and more birds are singing. Some new birds have come to the Aadheenam, and we hear their unique songs. Bodhinatha ...

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      Karma Management and Ganesha

      With karma management it is important to apply our philosophical understanding to our life in order for it to really benefit us. A new concept is"divinely influence karma." Through the ...

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      Malaysia Youth Seminar

      The first one-day Master Course youth seminar has been held by Sivaneswaran and Aravidraj in Malaysia. These two young men came to Kauai last year on a Task Force program ...

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      Temple Messages

      I receive requests to send letters blessing various activities at Hindu temples around the world, just as Gurudeva did. The New Zealand Tiru Murugan Temple is having its kumbhabhishekam after ...

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      Master Course on Moksha

      Today's Dancing with Siva lesson is on moksha, which is appropriate considering it is the moksha ritau, the third and final, inwardly drawn time of the year. It is important ...

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      California Trip April 2002

      Bodhinatha begins by talking about his recent visit to our Church mission in Northern California and the Palaniswami Siva-Murugan Temple in Concord. At the mission satsang, he introduced a new ...

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      Antar Mandir, The Inner Temple

      I am working on an article countering the intention of some in North India to build a Sri Ram temple at Ayodhya whether it causes violence or not. We should ...

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      Our People

      A letter in Hinduism Today used the phrase "our people." Gurudeva never used this phrase. He reached out to everyone he encountered making no distinction. He also helped people broaden the ...

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      Gurudeva's Spiritual Toolbox

      Gurudeva said you can either use these tools, or hang them on the wall. The Yamas and Niyamas are two of these tools. When you get to these chapters in ...

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      Gratitude and Appreciation

      Yesterday at the Vision Kauai meeting, the person who created the blue ribbon "Who I am makes a difference", was there. She had an excellent set of stories about appreciation. Gurudeva gave us two ...

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      Nartana Ritau

      Saiva Dharma Shastras talks about the Nartana Ritau and says it is a period of creation. It's key word is planning, it's teaching is Dancing with Siva. We should update ...

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      Yamas and Niyamas pt 1

      The essence of our being is God. This is a beautiful teaching but it is also important to be grounded in other realities. We are a soul, but our soul ...

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      Yamas and Niyamas part 2 Foundation

      Today many people interested in a spiritual path say "Forget the basics, let's just start with the end of the path." Of course this approach doesn't work very well because they don't have a foundation. Gurudeva said that the yamas and ...

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      Yamas and Niyamas part 3 Ashtanga Yoga

      The Yamas are the first stage of the spiritual path. It is the first step in ashtanga yoga, followed by niyama. If someone want to follow the traditional yoga path, ...

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      Yamas and Niyamas part 4 Reference List

      Here is a reference list as to how to self reflect on the yamas and niyamas. For most of the adults we are in contact with, the nonadhereance is going ...

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      Relation of noninjury to contentment

      Bodhinatha continues his talk on the yamas and niyamas, relating the yama noninjury to the niyama of contentment. If we are content within ourselves, the tendency to disturb or hurt ...

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      Satya, or Truthfulness

      Bodhinatha talks about the second yama, truthfulness, satya, with regard to lying and betraying promises. Lying builds a layer of darkness in the subconscious that covers up the soul nature. ...

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      Noninjury and Brahmacharya

      Cybertalk: Bodhinatha speaks on vasudhaiva kutumbakam, "The whole world is one family," in reference to the current problem in India. He discusses the problem of the "my people" concept, that of exclusion, and the division it ...

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      Creating a Family Plan Part 1

      Nartana ritau, the season from mid-April to mid-August, is the season for planning. Gurudeva put emphasis on the three seasons, as he liked variety, and Bodhinatha tells us all about ...

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      Creating a Family Plan Part 2

      How do we develop goals as part of our plans? Bodhinatha answers this question in part two of his talk on planning. He gives many sample goals and hopes that ...

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      Controlling Anger part 1

      In part one of a talk on anger, Bodhinatha speaks of the various levels of difficulty people have with this instinctive state of consciousness. Gurudeva gave some very useful suggestions ...

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      Controlling Anger part 1

      In part one of a talk on anger, Bodhinatha speaks of the various levels of difficulty people have with this instinctive state of consciousness. Gurudeva gave some very useful suggestions ...

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      Controlling Anger part 2

      In part two of his talk on anger, Bodhinatha refers back to a trip Gurudeva made to Malaysia in June 2000. Before Gurudeva left he was thinking positively about the ...

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      Controlling Anger part 3

      In part three of his talk on anger, Bodhinatha begins by referring to the Tirukural and its chapter called "Avoidance of Anger," which is right before the chapter on ahimsa, the cardinal ...

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      Anger and Meditation part 1

      Bodhinatha talks today on how important smooth interpersonal relationships are to the meditator. If our relationships with others are in poor shape, they will come up from our subconscious mind ...

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      Hindu Children's Modern Stories

      Excerpts from newly published short stories that teach moral values based on the yamas & niyamas, Hinduisms twenty cardinal virtues ...

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      Hinduism's Code of Conduct

      The following paragraphs, with accompanying illustrations by A. Manivel of Chennai, elucidate the yamas and niyamas. Together the yamas and niyamas provide the foundation to support our yoga practice so ...

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      Hinduistischer Verhaltenscode

      Hinduism's Code of Conduct in German (Yamas and Niyamas) ...

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      Anger (Sneaky) part 2

      In part one of a more detailed talk on anger, Bodhinatha shares with us the effectiveness of some advice he recently gave to someone about the effect of angry episodes ...

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      Anger (Cold Shoulder) part 3

      In part two of this second talk on anger, Bodhinatha goes into the second rung on the ladder of anger, "the cold shoulder." He summarizes the first two rungs by discussing the ...

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      What Is Our Code of Conduct? Niyamas

      In Patanjali's comments on the niyamas he speaks on religious action, kriya, bringing about samadhi and attenuating the kleshas. We think we have to be detached from that which we ...

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      Tirukural

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami-a living legend, yoga master and author of Merging with Siva-recognized the immense value of the Tirukural in 1949 as a young seeker in Sri Lanka. Decades later ...

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      Nandinatha Sutras in Tamil

      This is 100 hundred of the 365 Nandinatha Sutras from Living with Siva, translated into Tamil by Sockalingam ...

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      Hinduism's Nandinatha Sutras

      A modern compilation of 365 verses summarizing the tradtional way to enlightenment for followers of God Siva. ...

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      Non-stealing or Non-coveting Part 1

      Bodhinatha continues today with the yamas, the Vedic restraints, with number three, nonstealing, neither stealing, nor coveting nor entering into debt. Though the grossest form of asteya, stealing other people's ...

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      Non-stealing or Non-coveting Part 2

      Bodhinatha talks today on not coveting, an aspect of the yama asteya, nonstealing. Gurudeva described it as owning something mentally and emotionally without actually owning it physically. This easily leads ...

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      Non-stealing or Non-coveting Part 3

      Bodhinatha discusses how to harness desire and conquering the tendency to steal or covet by doing its opposite, giving, which is the niyama of dana. Giving brings true happiness, as ...

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      Vows (Foundation) part 1 of 4

      Bodhinatha talks about the necessity of a proper foundation for spiritual progress, drawing on the example of how skyscrapers are built. This was Gurudeva's strong message when he returned from ...

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      Vows (Vegetarian) part 2 of 4

      Part 2 of 4Bodhinatha talks on vratas, or vows. There are two kinds of vratas, vows that are taken for specific periods of time, such as festivals, and permanent vows. ...

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      Vows (Parampara) part 3 of 4

      Part 3 of 4Bodhinatha continues his talk on vratas, vows, with the parampara vrata, vowing loyalty to one's lineage and not studying the teachings of other lineages. This powerful vrata ...

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      Vows (Tithing) part 4 of 4

      Part 4 of 4Bodhinatha continues his talk on vratas by elucidating the dasama bhaga vrata, the tithing vow. This vow relates to our finances, but at a deeper level it ...

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      Karma Management Day 1 Part 1

      2002 Kauai Innersearch/Guru Purnima Day 1, Part 1This is the first of Bodhinatha's series of talks to more than 100 Innersearch participants and pilgrims gathered during our Satguru Purnima festival ...

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      Tirukural, Chapters 1-4

      Tiruvalluvar's Tirukural, Chapters 1-4. Bodhinatha presents the first in his series of synopses of the Tirukural. He uses a modern prose form to introduce and focus on the essence of ...

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      Tiruvalluvar's Tirukural Ch 13-14, synopsis written in prose

      Bodhinatha continues with a short talk today on Chapter 13-14 of Tiruvalluvar's Tirukural. He has written a synopsis in prose form to help with the understanding of these beautiful verses. ...

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      Gossip and backbiting

      Bodhinatha utilizes input gathered from Innersearch participants to expand on the topic: Gossip and Backbiting. Bodhinatha explains the four tests for speech: true, kind, helpful and necessary and discusses how ...

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      Karma Management Day 4, Part 1

      2002 Kauai Innersearch Day 4, Part 1 Bodhinatha gives several examples of how we can work through our karma by helping others through their karma. He also talks about Drug ...

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      Karma Management Day 4, Part 2

      2002 Kauai Innersearch Day 4, Part 2 Bodhinatha gives us two final correct concepts about karma, that we are creating our future in the present and that the ultimate future ...

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      Karma Management Day 4, Part 3

      2002 Kauai Innersearch Day 4, Part 3 Bodhinatha explains the last three principles of Karma Management. Number 8 is "accelerate karma," which is done through performing daily sadhana (religious practices). Number ...

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      Why Bodhinatha became a Hindu

      Bodhinatha talks about the recent symposium on Hinduism at the Pittsburgh temple. Some asked Bodhinatha why he became a Hindu. In addition to a routine response, he came up with ...

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      Welcome to the Jivana Ritau

      Welcome to the Jivana Ritau! Why did Gurudeva give us the three ritau system? Because he liked variety, change, for everything not to just remain the same all the time. ...

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      Responsiveness

      Responsiveness is important on the spiritual path, both in the monastery and in the family home. Bodhinatha talks about feelings of rebellion when approached with a suggestion and the importance ...

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      Talk for Mauritius on God Siva p2

      Bodhinatha continues with highlights from a talk he is preparing for Mauritius on God Siva, talking about the nature of God Siva. He is the supreme parent, and each of ...

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      Bringing a Gift for the Temple

      Continuing with highlights from his talk on God Siva, Bodhinatha talks about Gurudeva's admonition that devotees should never come to the temple empty-handed, even if the only offering they have ...

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      Jivana Ritau Focuses

      Bodhinatha speaks a bit about the Jivana Ritau and its focus on looking at areas we are weak in and trying to upgrade. The yamas and niyamas are the ideals ...

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      Nallupada Saivam

      Bodhinatha recalls a segment of his talk on Nalupada Saivam where he compared the Vedanta and Siddhanta paths. He also gives us a preview of his talk about God Siva, ...

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      Be Firm but Kind with Children

      Cybertalk: Bodhinatha gives a wonderful upadesha based on the Living with Siva lesson of the day (178) called "Be Firm but Kind." This is one of the Positive Discipline principles. Children today must ...

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      Choose Realistic Goals in Meditation

      Bodhinatha talks about the problematic attitude of getting sad when our spiritual experiences aren't as deep as we want them to be or think they should be. He reminds us ...

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      When Everything Seems to Go Wrong

      Everyone has days when everything seems to go wrong. Bodhinatha emphasizes that we must recognize that days like this happen and not have an unrealistic idea that all days are ...

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      Honoring the Mayor of Kauai

      Bodhinatha gives news of a dinner at the Marriott Hotel which he and another monk attended in honor of our island's mayor who is about to leave office after eight ...

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      Good and Evil People

      That there are good and evil people who should be treated differently is not the correct Hindu perspective, and we don't want this to go into the minds of our ...

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      The Nature of Desire

      Bodhinatha gives a wonderful discourse on the nature of desire. Gurudeva never asked us to give up desire. Desire is life. However, on the spiritual path it is important to ...

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      Gurudeva's Mahavakya Part 1

      Bodhinatha welcomes everyone to the first annual observances of Gurudeva's mahasamadhi with a talk on the mahavakya, or great sayings. Citing several classics from the Upanishads, Bodhinatha repeats and elucidates ...

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      Gurudeva's Mahavakya Part 2

      Bodhiantha continues in Part 2 of his talk on the mahavakya, or great sayings, of our guru parampara. This part is on Gurudeva's mahavakya, split into five groups, with a ...

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      From Darkness to Light

      The light of understanding is the foundation for the bright light of spiritual perception. The self-concept of Divine Being is part of that foundation. Through a balanced approach of self-reliance, ...

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      Honoring Gurudeva at Lydgate Park

      At the Lydgate Park event honoring Gurudeva, Bodhinatha addressed the public regarding the monastery's intention to continue all the wonderful community contributions that Gurudeva set in motion when he was ...

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      Malaysia Conference Part 2

      Bodhinatha continues his talk about unethical and ethical religious conversion and cites a number of very useful quotes from Gurudeva's recent book, How to Become a Hindu. Gurudeva encourages religious ...

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      Not Getting Angry

      After a short review of his recent talk on the Hindu philosophical outlook on the nature of man, Bodhinatha begins with a "Dear Bodhinatha" e-mail written in by a devotee who ...

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      How Judgments Affect Others

      Bodhinatha responds to an e-mail from Sheela Venkatakrishnan, the transcriber of his talks for the website, regarding how to look at assessments, evaluations and judgments. Bodhinatha says they're all the ...

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      Good Conduct Means to Assist

      Bodhinatha elucidates from Gurudeva's Master Course lesson of the day on good conduct and reminds us that our conduct should always be aimed to assist, never hinder. He tells a ...

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      Hindu Culture and the Temple

      Bodhinatha speaks on Hindu culture, the theme of the Jivana Ritau, and begins with Gurudeva's central thoughts on culture which are captured in the five Living with Siva sutras on ...

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      A Solution to Emotional Problems

      Often devotees will write to Bodhinatha about emotional problems. To these he says he always gives the same advicespend extra time worshiping Lord Ganesha, especially in the temple. Bodhinatha elucidates ...

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      Mauritius Trip Talks

      Bodhinatha tells us of the theme for his trip to Asia coming up, focusing on the parents as the first guru, positive discipline, and that magically the sutra of the ...

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      Bodhinatha's Travels to Mauritius part 1

      Bodhinatha reports on his recent trip to Mauritius, Malaysia and Singapore. On the way to Mauritius he stopped in Malaysia and had an uplifting and well attended satsang with our ...

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      The Power of Words

      Controlling our speech is a key spiritual practice. Remember Gurudeva's advice: "Think before you speak and speak only that which is true, kind, helpful and necessary." "Using profane language is a curse upon the system we call life." To accept life as our creation and not somebody else's takes our observation. If there's too much ...

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      Desires and Chakras

      Focus on how we are influenced by others. Desires show up in our dreams and determine where we will live in the inner worlds. Desire-fulfillment-pleasure-loss-pain-suffering. We have desire because we ...

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      The True Sources of Happiness

      Bodhinatha describes how harmonious relationships are maintained in grihastha life, in which the natural state is to be surrounded by family and friends. These relationships are important and help us ...

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      How Does Moksha Ritau Apply to Family Life?

      Part 1 of 4 - Bodhinatha talks about the moksha ritau, the cool season and one-third of the year when we focus on the inside of ourselves and making improvements ...

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      The Importance of Controlling Anger

      Part 2 of 4 - In Bodhinatha's moksha ritau address for 2002, he continues with a practical explanation of the affects of anger and how important it is to get ...

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      Pancha Ganapati's Five Shaktis

      Part 4 of 4 - Bodhinatha finishes his moksha ritau address for 2002 by talking about the nature of the Pancha Ganapati festival and how each of Ganesha's five shakti's ...

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      Staying in Touch with Gurudeva and Facing Karma

      Bodhinatha talks about ways of staying in touch with Gurudeva, such as through our monthly guru puja and reading Gurudeva's teachings. Next he discusses the natural patterns of life's karmas ...

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      Making the Temple Worthwhile for Children

      A hundred years ago the temple was the fascinating activity around, with festivals, dances, music, stories. Nowadays, there is a lot more going on and the temple faces a lot ...

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      State of the Church Address 2003, Part 4

      Part 4 of Bodhinatha's State of the Church Address for 2003 discusses sadhana follow-up for members, primary focuses being on the Maha Vasana Daha Tantra, the annual vasana daha tantra, ...

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      Uplifting Those Who Don't Want to Be Uplifted

      Many of our members take care of elderly parents, which can be a stressful situation if the parent is in a negative state of mind and refuses to budge from ...

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      How to See God Everywhere

      Bodhinatha continues his exploration of sloka 1 from Dancing with Siva with sentences 2 and 3 - "We came from God, live in God, and are evolving into oneness with God. We are in Truth, the truth we seek." God is our life, the Life of our life, and an important ...

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      Positive Attitudes for Positive Spiritual Progress

      Bodhinatha reads sloka 2 of Dancing with Siva - "Where am I going? What is my path?" The Hindu spiritual path can be described in three simple ways - becoming a better person, learning from our experiences, ...

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      The Importance of Knowing Thy Self

      Finding our spiritual identity, "Knowing Thy Self," is not a concept at the forefront of the world's mind. With knowledge so readily available, people fill themselves up with knowledge about so many ...

    • audio

      The Tirukural on Virtue, Love and Charity

      The Tirukural is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. Technology has changed; mankind hasn't. The tendency to strongly react to qualities in others means it's in us. ...

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      Affirmation Part 2 -- Remolding the Subconscious

      Part 2 of 3 Remolding the Subconscious through Affirmation. This is a two-part process. The first is vasana daha tantra, writing down the past and burning it. The second part ...

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      Affirmation Part 3-- Family affirmation. Sharing Life Decisions with God, Gods and Guru

      Affirmation Part 3 of 3. Gurudeva developed an affirmation for his married devotees and just finished editing it just a few weeks before his mahasamadhi. Bodhinatha shares this affirmation with ...

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      Saiva Siddhanta, a Path of Knowing Thyself

      Bodhinatha is getting ready for his trip to Toronto, Canada. His talk is titled "Saiva Siddhanta A Path of Knowing Thyself". In summarySaiva Siddhanta focuses on both devotion to God and meditation. Siva Yogaswami was ...

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      Yama 5 - Kshama, Patience

      Yama number 5 - kshama, patience. The youth group in Malaysia is focusing on the yamas and niyamas as the basics for successful temple worship. There are many opportunities to ...

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      Yama 6 - Dhriti, Steadfastness

      Yama number 6 - dhriti, steadfastness. Willpower has to be used to be steadfast. Overcoming fear, and perseverance, are steadfastness. Gurudeva said, "consistency is the key to the conquest of karma." Dhriti is also important to progressing on ...

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      Yama 7 - Daya, Compassion

      Yama number 7 - daya, compassion. Compassion is conquering cruelty. It is the outgrowth of love. Bodhinatha explains he difference beween ahimsa and daya. Part of compassion is the desire ...

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      Yama 8 - Arjava, Honesty

      Yama number 8 - arjava, honesty. Part of the reason for these talks is that there is a high demand in Malaysia. We need to harness the tendency to be ...

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      Yama 9 - Mitahara, Moderate Appetite

      Bodhinatha begins with a note about Mother's Day, Father's Day and Grandparent's Day. He offers the key that we should be openly appreciative of our elders, and the more specific ...

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      Yama 10 - Saucha, Purity

      Yama number 10, saucha, purity. Purity includes clean clothing, good character, physical surroundings and no foul language. Physical purity is important, especially washing clothes regularly, or putting them in the ...

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      Niyama 1 - Hri, Remorse and Modesty

      Bodhinatha speaks on hri, the niyama of remorse, which is needed to resolve problems. Niyamas focus on helping us to express our divine qualities. Criminals will repeat crimes unless they ...

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      Niyama 2 - Santosha, Contentment

      Bodhinatha speaks on santosha, contentment. This niyama is about being content and happy on the inside of ourselves no matter what happens on the outside. Unfulfilled desires keep us from ...

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      Niyama 3 - Dana, Giving

      After a short introduction on the progress of our children's course, of efforts to get Gurudeva's teachings to a broader region through classes and camps in various countries, Bodhinatha speaks ...

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      Niyama 4 - Astikya, Faith

      Bodhinatha speaks on the niyama of astikya, faith. In Hinduism experience develops faith. Faith starts out as a belief in what we have not yet experienced. This leads to experience ...

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      Putting Gurudeva's Teachings to the Best Use, Part 4

      Bodhinatha continues his Gurudeva mahasamadhi observances class with this part on the importance of The Master Course Trilogy in helping us establish our foundation of philosophical understanding (Dancing with Siva) ...

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      Niyama 5 - Ishvarapujana, Worship

      Bodhinatha speaks on the niyama of Ishvarapujana, worship of the Gods. Cultivate devotion by having a home shrine so that God and the Gods live with you all day long. ...

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      Niyama 6 - Siddhanta Shravana

      The niyama of siddhanta shravana involves studying and listening to learned people, our primary scriptures, the Vedas, and other holy texts. This guides us to become more spiritual people. But ...

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      The Role of the Guru

      Choose a sect of Hinduism and a guru and dedicate yourself to him. The need for a guru is preeminent in Saiva Siddhanta. A guru focuses on our weakest areas, ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru - Part 1

      Part 1 of 7 - Bodhinatha gives a class during Guru Purnima on the role of the guru. The guru has five major tasks, to provide encouragement to keep striving, ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru - Part 1

      Part 1 of 7 - Bodhinatha gives a class during Guru Purnima on the role of the guru. The guru has five major tasks, to provide encouragement to keep striving, ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru - Part 2

      Part 2 of 7 - Continuing Bodhinatha's first Guru Purnima class on the role of the guru, focusing on the guru's major task of helping us improve our behavior by ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru - Part 3

      Part 3 of 7 - Continuing Bodhinatha's first Guru Purnima class on the role of the guru, Bodhinatha says that worship and meditation are important in spiritual life, but a ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru Part 4

      Part 4 of 7 - Continuing Bodhinatha's first Guru Purnima class on the role of the guru and his task of helping us improve our behavior, we look at rung ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru Part 5

      Part 5 of 7 - Continuing Bodhinatha's first Guru Purnima class on the role of the guru and his task of helping us improve our behavior, Bodhinatha tells us that ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru Part 6

      Part 6 of 7 - Continuing Bodhinatha's first Guru Purnima class on the role of the guru and his task of helping us improve our behavior, Bodhinatha talks about the ...

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      Improving Our Behavior with the Help of the Guru Part 7

      Part 7 of 7 - Continuing Bodhinatha's first Guru Purnima class on the role of the guru and his task of helping us improve our behavior, Bodhinatha explains that part ...

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      Becoming a More Spiritual Person Part 1

      Part 1 of 3 - Bodhinatha gives a second class during Guru Purnima on the role of the guru. Beginning with a glorious quote from Gurudeva about the spirit of ...

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      Becoming a More Spiritual Person Part 2

      Part 2 of 3 - Bodhinatha continues his second class during Guru Purnima, talking about becoming a more spiritual person and how we can do that through learning from our ...

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      Becoming a More Spiritual Person Part 3

      Part 3 of 3 - Bodhinatha continues his second class during Guru Purnima, talking more about not making the same mistake twice. Using the yamas and niyamas as a reference ...

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      Niyama 7 - Mati, Cognition

      Bodhinatha speaks about the niyama mati, cognition. He urges seekers to develop a spiritual will and intellect with their guru's guidance. Part of mati involves cultivating and awakening our intuition, ...

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      Niyama 8 - Vrata, Vows

      Bodhinatha speaks on the eighth niyama, vrata, the practice of taking vows to ourselves, to the inner worlds and to family and community. Vows are a sacred trust. There are ...

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      Niyama 9 - Japa, Recitation

      Bodhinatha speaks on the niyama of japa, the many dimensions of the sacred science of chanting a mantra, a holy syllable, word or sentence again and again. Often japa is ...

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      Yama 4 - Brahmacharya

      Bodhinatha spoke on the yama of brahmacharya, purity and chastity, today. He described it as the harnessing of the instincts, including sexual desire, stressing the value of remaining celibate until ...

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      Overview of Upcoming Ganesha Chaturthi Trip

      Bodhinatha offers everyone in the temple an overview of his coming trip to California, Mauritius, Malaysia and Singapore. Click below to listen. Real Audio --- | --- MP3 (Quicktime or ...

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      Yama 1 - Ahimsa

      Bodhinatha speaks on the first yama, ahimsa, which is noninjury in thought, word and deed. The law of karma decrees that it is wise not to harm or hurt others, ...

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      Introduction to the Yamas and Niyamas

      Cybertalk: Bodhinatha gives his introduction to the Yamas and niyamas, the Hindu Code of Conduct. He explains that a simple look at what it means to be a Hindu is ...

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      Yama 2 - Satya, Truthfulness

      Bodhinatha speaks on satya, the second yama. Truthfulness relates to what we say and honesty to what we do. People lie when they are fearful. People also lie to make ...

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      Resolving Difficulties with Others

      Gurudeva sanctioned the prayaschitta of walking prostrations for pilgrims and members who come to Kauai Aadheenam. The Jivana Ritau is a study of Living with Siva, and of the sutras ...

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      Putting Gurudeva's Teachings to the Best Use, Part 2

      Bodhinatha continues his Gurudeva mahasamadhi observances class with this part on how Gurudeva continues to influence us by his teachings. All who continue to put into practice the teachings he ...

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      Putting Gurudeva's Teachings to the Best Use, Part 3

      Bodhinatha continues his Gurudeva mahasamadhi observances class with this part on ashtanga yoga, which is the teaching of our Nandinatha Sampradaya's Kailasa Parampara. When you go to study yoga somewhere ...

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      Putting Gurudeva's Teachings to the Best Use, Part 5

      Bodhinatha continues his Gurudeva mahasamadhi observances class with this part on how to explain the purpose of Hinduism to non-HindusHinduism teaches us how to become a better person, improve our ...

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      Tolerance as a Hindu Value

      Bodhinatha began by speaking of the troubles in the world today, in the aftermath of 9/11. At the core of the problem is hatred, and we need to counter all ...

    • audio

      God is Love; Putting This Into Practice

      The deepest perception of Love: Love is the ultimate Truth. Our Affirmation of Faith: "God Siva is Immanent Love and Transcendent Reality." You are also that Love, you are also God Siva. There's only one Being and ...

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      Your Self-Concept; You Are A Divine Soul

      Focus on being a soul, not the body, mind and emotions. When we think of ourselves as a soul we're able to move forward and get closer and closer to ...

    • audio

      Harnessing Reaction; Live in the Box of Dharma

      Responding and handling karma when feeling mistreated. The goal: insight into our self, get into a more refined cycle of life. Harness instinctive and intellectual reaction and forgive, karma's totally ...

    • audio

      Control of Thought, Includes Purifying the Subconscious

      Mechanism for major change in the subconscious mind from an ordinary to a spiritual state. Vasana Daha Tantra to clear suppressed memories. Be observant of what's going on inside. Devotion ...

    • audio

      The Summit of All Religions; Regular Meditation

      Religion has a oneness in mysticism but has major differences in terms of beliefs and practices. Unrelenting effort, working on the outside with our faults and weaknesses, allows us to ...

    • audio

      Nine Ways to Merge with Siva; the Nature of Liberation

      The celebration of Mahasivaratri is to have a deeper experience of God. Realization, liberation and merger. Nine progressive ways to merge with Siva. Parasiva, the eighth: becoming and being timeless, ...

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      Attenuating Obstacles, Meditation

      Understanding keys to the mind and transformation. Kriya, the yoga of action, comprised of tapas, svadhyaya and Ishvara pranayama. Living in the soul nature; attenuating the kleshas. Detaching from the ...

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      Contentment - Santosha, Cultivating Joy and Serenity in Life

      Santosha, the second niyama. Find joy in the morning. In the physical world no thing is perfect as it is subject to creation, preservation and dissolution. Perfection is in the ...

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      Sadhana Path of Change

      Follow Gurudeva's teachings in a serious way; take up a daily vigil, sandhya vandana, worshiping at the change of days (sunrise and sunset). It takes time to change and master ...

    • audio

      How Do We Treat the Environment?

      "The Divine is present everywhere and in all things. All Hindus feel they are guests on the planet with responsibilities to nature." Hindu prayers don't stop with people. Caring for the elements is found right in our various ...

    • audio

      Sadhana: Establish Daily Practice

      In the past forty years temples and priests have come over to the U.S. from India. The daily spiritual practice of Hinduism, has been left behind. In youth it is ...

    • audio

      Stay in the Now, Create Your Future

      Bisi in Shum: ["I am aware of the unreality of time and the eternity of the moment."] To quiet the mind for meditation hold your mind no more than 4.5 ...

    • audio

      Influences in the Conscious Mind

      On the spiritual path be careful to not let the worldly approach of others influence us. Take time each day for spiritual practice; turn off the externalizing and limiting conscious ...

    • audio

      Detach Awareness From the Consious Mind

      Avoid creating ripples in life, being permanently emotionally disturbed. The English language is a conscious mind language structured to teach us that we are our emotions. Be observant of thought ...

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      Meditation Empowers the Mind with Restraint and Intuition

      Superconsciousness is always there within us. A simple key to contacting it is relaxation. Step back, become internalized. Meditation requires retraining the way we think. The mind is used to ...

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      Staying in Tune with Superconsciousness

      By having a strong habit of a daily religious practice we don't lose contact with with superconscious by the demands of the external. Saying and believing, "I'm all right right now," influences the flow ...

    • audio

      The Practice of Contentment

      Reflect on happiness, joy and sorrow. Even when having what we want, suffering is built in. Sometimes we condition our happiness. During morning sadhana claim and move awareness into the ...

    • audio

      Hatha Yoga, Relaxation, Letting Go

      Set aside personality. Focus on being a spiritual individual. Hatha yoga helps release stress and tension. Use subsuperconscious, not reason, analysis and intellect for understanding in an intuitive way. Let ...

    • audio

      Stabilize Consciousness in the Muladhara Chakra and Above

      The challenge of not falling below the muladhara chakra. "Achieve freedom with responsibility," living in the box of dharma. Ahimsa and himsa: Patanjali advises: to overcome the propensity to do harm, cultivate the ...

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      Raise Kundalini Gradually; Strive Continuously

      Awakening the kundalini prematurely can have negative consequences. A slow gradual process is favored. Persevere, be consistent, particularly when facing challenging personal situations. If we let down in our sadhana ...

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      Chakras In Relation to the Gods

      An important feature of Saiva Siddhanta is the mixing of Monism and Theism. Worshiping in the temple and meditating are inter-related quite dynamically. In our tradition the kundalini force requires ...

    • audio

      Resentment; Control of Speech; Responding Kindly

      "Realize That God Is Love." Resentment is a barrier in spiritual life. Accept the Hindu point of view, that whatever happens to us is our karma to experience even if we are mistreated. Resentment ...

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      Closing Off the Lower Chakras

      There is a continuity between the dominant states of consciousness you are in at the time of death and what you experience after death. The goal is to aim for ...

    • audio

      Nine Ways to Merge With Siva

      On Mahasivaratri, February 27, 2014, Satguru Bodhinathaswami comments on Gurudeva's introduction to Merging with Siva, where he elucidates nine different ways that we can merge with God Siva. Everyone on ...

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      All Religions Not the Same; Right Beliefs; Accepting

      "Truth is one, paths are many." Some religions feel that it's their duty to try and convert, that theirs is the only true path. For someone starting on the path they need to discard the ...

    • audio

      Seeing the World as an Ashram for Making Spiritual Progress

      Our view of the world is colored by our state of mind. How can one act in an evil way if they are the soul? Do you think as you ...

    • audio

      The importance of bhakti

      Growing up in the west is challenging as devotion and humility are foreign to the culture. Striving for our inner perfection while working through outer imperfection without getting discouraged, realizing ...

    • audio

      Improve Life, Exemplify

      Gurudeva tells us today is the end of a phase according to our moon calendar followed by description of the purpose of retreat and worship of Lord Muruga at the ...

    • audio

      Living with Siva, Spiritual Law

      Today Gurudeva explains to us that we are wonderful persons and that we can do anything if we work within dharma. Gurudeva gives an informative talk today about dharma and ...

    • audio

      Ahimsa, All is One, See Others As Yourself

      The desire to harm comes from discontent. A profound basis for ahimsa is that everything is One and everything is Divine. See the Divine shine forth in all beings, all ...

    • audio

      Patanjali's Yoga Sutras - False Knowledge

      Bodhinatha comments on Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Verses 1.5 through 1.12. The restraint of the mental activities of correct knowledge, erroneous knowledge, fantasy, sleep and memory is achieved through practice and ...

    • audio

      Training to become Criminals?

      Gurudeva brings us news of the returning monks from a two month trip and a new temple to be built in New Zealand. Gurudeva talks today about the deficits of ...

    • audio

      Children, Bereft of Guidance

      An interview concerning the use of the drug called "ice," methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin, is brought forth by Gurudeva as he asks questions of Sannyasin Arumugaswami. We are told what children ...

    • audio

      Penalties, Pitfalls, Prison

      Gurudeva continues talking with Sannyasin Arumugaswami about the penalties for drug use and sale, a felony, leading to jail. A felony is defined and the consequences of being convicted described. ...

    • audio

      Patanjali: Practice to Achieve Samadhi

      Bodhinatha continues with his commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. We learn to control the mind through practice, detachment, the achievement of steadiness. Progress toward samadhi depends upon interest, priority and ...

    • audio

      Not Getting Upset, Viewing Reaction from Higher Faculties

      A measure of how serious we are in making spiritual progress is that we've learned the lesson from experience. Develop the ability to watch the mind think, understand the patterns ...

    • audio

      Not Getting Upset, Viewing Reaction from Higher Faculties

      A measure of how serious we are in making spiritual progress is that we've learned the lesson from experience. Develop the ability to watch the mind think, understand the patterns ...

    • audio

      Karmas Made by Surfing the Internet

      Today Gurudeva explains why we need to be careful about violence, that while Hindu scripture allows us to defend ourselves and our homes, and serve our country in an army, ...

    • audio

      Four Places In Which to See God

      Where and how to look for Divinity. Four places to see God: In great teachers, in other people, in the temple, inside yourself. The seed of divinity is in all ...

    • audio

      Patanjali - Overcoming Obstacles with Concentration and Friendliness

      Bodhinatha discusses Patanjali's description of the eight obstacles to progress in Raja Yoga. He discusses two of Patanjali's solutions. One is concentration that comes from an intense interest in the ...

    • audio

      Face and Accept Karma; Three Ways to Mitigate Karma

      Human nature is very strange in that we tend to blame others when things go poorly. Avoid that. Accept whatever happens as our own creation. Karma can be mitigated or ...

    • audio

      What Is Good Conduct?

      Good conduct is right thought, right speech and right action." Apply T-H-I-N-K: true, helpful, inspirational, necessary, kind in our thoughts, words and deeds. "Conduct ourself properly within ourself." Encourage rather than discourage. Praise rather ...

    • audio

      What Is the Hindu Way of Greeting?

      "Namaste" and "vanakkam," core practices of greeting. Recognizing that God is within everyone, the same God within me is within you. A Hindu concept not necessarily believed by other religions. ...

    • audio

      The Purpose of Life: Making Wise Decisions

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Purpose of Life: Using the Power Of Observation

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Purpose of Life: Are You Ready To Turn Inward?

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Purpose of Life: On Earth to Realize the Self

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The River of Life: Affectionate Detachment

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The River of Life: Subconscious Basement

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The River of Life: Be Like the River Water

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Universe of the Mind: Understanding Is Control

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Conscious Mind: Like Writing On Water

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Subconscious Mind: Meditation's Great Obstacle

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Superconscious Mind: Be Aware Of Energy

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Superconscious Mind: Learn to Move Awareness

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Superconscious Mind: The Use Of Intuition

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Superconscious Mind: Subduing The Intellect

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Subsuperconscious Mind: Reprogramming The Subconscious

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Subsuperconscious Mind: Defining the SubSuperconscious

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Subsuperconscious Mind: Security in the Superconscious

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Subsuperconscious Mind: The Flow of Creativity

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Subsuperconscious Mind: Bursts of Light And Intuition

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Subsuperconscious Mind: Proceed with Confidence!

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Nature of Thought: Being the Watcher

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Nature of Thought: Become The Watcher

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      What Is the Value of Spiritual Friends?

      Friends who are fine, positive and good Hindus will help you most of all. It's important for parents of teenagers to know their teenager's friends. Our strength comes from mixing ...

    • audio

      The Human Aura: Psychic Sight's Use and Misuse

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      Color's Magic: Blessings and Their Opposite

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      Color's Magic: Methods for Self-Improvement

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      Color's Magic: Protective Emanations

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      Sleep and Dreams: Working with Our Dreams

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      Men and Women Are Not the Same: Mutual Appreciation

      Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami reads this chapter from his book Merging with Siva ...

    • audio

      The Donkey and the Carrot

      Master Course Recording. Chapter 5. Five states of mind. Defining conscious mind. Body of the soul.Defining subconscious mind. Programming subconscious. Attention and concentration. Mulingnishum. Study Guide: Breath is life, and ...

    • audio

      The Illumination of Man

      Master Course Recording. Chapter 7. Human aura, subconscious aura and colors. Living a contemplative lifestyle. Defining sub-superconscious mind, soul body. Study Guide: Listening to a guru speak is not an ...

    • video

      How Can We Be Strong Saivite Hindus?

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami reads from Lesson 67 of the Himalayan Academy publication Path To Siva, discussing how to be a strong Saivite Hindu ...

    • audio

      The Language of Meditation

      Master Course Recording. Chapter 12. Religion is the result of evolution. Are you a Hindu soul? Saivite lifestyle, Saivite thinking. Tirukural. Summa. Kanif. Become a natye. Meditation as a fine ...

    • audio

      Life the Great Experience

      Master Course Recording. Chapter 3. Gurudeva clarifies the meaning of the body of the soul. Face experiences positively. Awareness as a lotus flower. Life as decisions. Eternity of the moment. ...

    • audio

      Qualities and duties of a guru; Mental illness

      A cyberspace devotee in Texas wonders what are the duties and qualities of a guru. Gurudeva says that by looking at those around the guru one can discern the qualities ...

    • audio

      Heaven and Hell; Keeping Good Company

      A cyberspace devotee from Trinidad asks if there is a heaven and a hell. Gurudeva explains that heaven and hell can be translated into the higher nature and the lower ...

    • audio

      Driving to Work, Chakras and Lotus Flowers

      A cyberspace devotee from Iowa wonders what he can do for his spiritual life when driving to work each day. Gurudeva suggests that he listen to a selection of the ...

    • audio

      Getting up early for sadhana

      A cyberspace devotee from London wonders how he can get up early in the morning to do sadhana and yet maintain that high energy throughout the day. Gurudeva suggests that ...

    • audio

      Abusive Husband

      A cyberspace devotee asks if a husband is abusive should a wife sit back and do nothing or should she let her voice be heard. Gurudeva says this problem is ...

    • audio

      Deciding to Seek God

      A cyber-devotee named Devi in Brussels asks Gurudeva about her ponderings over dedicating her life to seeking God. Gurudeva thinks it's a God idea. ...

    • audio

      Men and Women in the Workplace

      E-devotee Surya in Mauritius wrote to Gurudeva to ask how men should relate to women in the workplace. Gurudeva summarizes his answer, "Very carefully!" He explains the need to be friendly ...

    • audio

      Merit and Demerit

      Gurudeva gives a short insight into Merit and Demerit, called punya and papa in Sanskrit. How do you know which you have or have earned? It has to do with ...

    • audio

      True Sacrifice, Part 1

      Giving with thought of reward is not true giving. True giving is sacrifice, It depends upon how and why one gives. Gurudeva describes the difference, and he uses as an ...

    • audio

      True Sacrifice, Part 2

      Gurudeva gives part 2 and the conclusion of his observations on Sacrifice. He tells us a little about Iraivan temple, and as an example of sacrifice, Gurudeva tells us how ...

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      Using drugs for spiritual unfoldment

      A cybercadet from Australia wonders what he can do about his 15 year old son that uses drugs for spiritual awakening. Gurudeva warns that there is a consequence to every ...

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      Aum Saravanabhava mantra, Monastery for ladies, Merging with Siva

      A cyberspace devotee wonders if he needs to be initiated into the mantra "Aum Saravanabhava". Gurudeva says the first step is to become a member of the Hindu religion and ...

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      Gossiping, Easiest way to enlightenment

      A cybercadet from Texas asks about backbitting and gossip and wonders what to do when at family events that is all that takes place. Gurudeva gives his permission to her ...

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      Working in the microcosm, Temple repair

      A cyberspace devotee puts forth a question to the e-Guru today wanting to know about working in the microcosm and affecting the macrocosm. Gurudeva says that everybody is affecting everybody ...

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      Karma Created by Good Conduct

      Today Gurudeva answers a question about love, and warns to avoid animal magnatism, that good astrological compatibility is necessary to create a lasting relationship in which the couple help each ...

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      Karma Created by Good Conduct

      Today Gurudeva answers a question about love, and warns to avoid animal magnatism, that good astrological compatibility is necessary to create a lasting relationship in which the couple help each ...

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      Drugs as a spiritual stimulant. Kumbha Mela. Spiritual unfoldment and college.

      A cyber cadet wonders if it is ok to take certain kinds of drugs to help with one's spiritual journey. A cyber cadet asks if going to a prestigious college ...

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      Temple Protocol. Mantra Revealed.

      A cyberspace devotee from Malaysia wonders which side should the men and women stand in the temple. Gurudeva says that the men should stand on the right and the women ...

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      Liberal Hinduism; Retreat after death

      A cyberspace devotee wants further explaination on the term liberal Hinduism. Gurudeva says that he looks at it as a new Indian creation to sort of be a Hindu and ...

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      Qualities of a Guru; Heaven and Hell

      A cyber devotee asks how does one tell the qualities of a guru. Gurudeva says that those who surround the guru are a reflection of his inner qualitites. The duty ...

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      The Big Bad-Money Lottery; Beware the Backbiters

      Gurudeva gives two inspired responses to questions on real-life issues in Singapore and Malaysia. First, Sivakumaren asks if the money won in a Lottery would be good or bad money. ...

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      Chaperone Yourselves; A Study in School Success

      A young lady asks Gurudeva how to go on after some "past mistakes" in her relationships with men. Gurudeva suggests that she and her female friends chaperone each other and take ...

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      Mauritius Elections; Avoid Those Angry People

      Gurudeva tells a little story today about one of his sishya in Mauritius who was recently elected to Parliament. He based his platform on the injunctions for politicians and parliamentarians ...

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      Arthur Pacheco interviews Gurudeva Part 4

      Today's cybertalk is a radio interview with Gurudeva conducted by Arthur Pacheco. Arthur Pacheco conducts a weekly radio show in Honolulu, Hawaii and is also a trans-medium. This interview is ...

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      Arthur Pacheco interviews Gurudeva Part 5

      Today's cybertalk is part five of a radio interview with Gurudeva conducted by Arthur Pacheco. Arthur Pacheco conducts a weekly radio show in Honolulu, Hawaii and is also a trans-medium. ...

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      Disciple's best gift to a Guru

      A cyberspace devotee asks what is the best gift a disciple can give his guru. Gurudeva says intelligent corporation is the best way to serve one's guru and by being ...

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      Gurudeva Interviewed by Loni Petranek Part III

      This is a radio interview conducted by Loni Petranek with Gurudeva. The interview gives an overview of Gurudeva's worldwide mission. In the third part today Gurudeva shares with Loni and ...

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      Rudraksha and Ahimsa

      Today we include two short answers to questions relating to ahimsa, nonhurtfulness. The first is from an admitted meat eater who wonders if it is alright for him to wear ...

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      Money Can't Buy You Wealth

      A e-devotee in Germany asks about wealth. Gurudeva explains how many people approach wealth as the accumulation of money and possessions. But the spiritual, asian way of wealth is different. ...

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      Responding to Abuse

      Christina, from California, asks Gurudeva what to do if we encounter abusive situations. Is it our karma to know about it, or are we making karma by not doing something? ...

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      New Year Part 1

      Gurudeva sends his best wishes and blessings to all to mark the beginning of the New Year. In his New Year talk he speaks out to temple trustees around the ...

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      Hindu New Year Part 2

      In the second and last part of Gurudeva's New Year talk he urges temple trustees around the world to help eradicate backbiting and other low minded things from the community ...

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      Nandinatha Sutras

      A cyberspace devotee asks how closely should we follow the Nandinatha sutras. Gurudeva says if we were to ask the elders that visit us here at Kauai Aadheenam as to ...

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      Merging with Siva

      A cyberspace devotee from Singapore wants to know how much he should merge with Siva if he is a householder. Gurudeva says if he gives his wife everything she wants ...

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      Committment vs Looking in From the Outside

      Gurudeva shares with a cyberspace devotee the difference between becoming a Hindu and just studying the religion. ...

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      Pets in the Home

      A cyberspace devotee wants to know why some Hindus do not like to have pets in the home. Gurudeva says in Hindu villages in India there are no veterinarians to ...

    • audio

      Understanding the Gods

      A cyberspace devotee wants to know if he has a preference for Lord Siva will the other Gods get jealous. Gurudeva says that such concepts of Gods getting jealous are ...

    • audio

      Affectionate Detachment

      A cyberspace devotee from Luxemborg wants Gurudeva to give him some practical examples of affectionate detachment and how it can help him in his daily life. Gurudeva says many people ...

    • audio

      Kundalini Experiences; Attraction to Girls

      A cyberspace devotee from Trinidad had some kundalini experiences and now wants to know what to do with it. In order to find the control so that it does not ...

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      How to progress in meditation?; How to know more about Hinduism?

      A cyberspace devotee wants to know what is the next thing he should do to advance his mediation. Gurudeva says that all we can do is get our awareness quiet ...

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      Diplomacy, Discriminating Speech

      Gurudeva talks about diplomacy, keeping the pranas flowing in a positive way by being careful about what to share with others, also knowing what areas are best not to be ...

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      Conduct of the Brahmacharinis and Brahmacharis

      Today's inspired talk by Gurudeva is about brahmacharinis and brahmacharinis Gurudeva talks about the brahmacharinis role in the family community and the protocols the brahmacharinis strive to live by. " For more information about listening to Gurudeva's talks online and to hear them in other formats, click here. ...

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      What the soul learns; Being on the right path

      A cyberspace devotee from India wants to know if the soul is also learning when the mind is being educated. Gurudeva says we are the soul and anything that is ...

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      A Veggie Query

      Mr. Prasad asks Gurudeva about the need for being a vegetarian and, if there is a need, what are some recipes? In response, Gurudeva offers a morsel of advice. ...

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      Tips for Success

      Today Gurudeva responds to an e-query about success. Is it ok for Hindus to be successful? Gurudeva offers some brief, but very practical guidelines for those who seek success. ...

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      Hindu versus Christian Practice

      Doing good works is not enough. Practicing Hinduism, believing that we are all divine beings, we to come closer to God, have experiences of God . Good conduct, selfless service, ...

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      Three Spiritual Goals of Life and Willpower

      Three goals of life : realization, liberation and merger. Realization means we have a complete experience of the transcendent absolute. We have to realize God many times to achieve liberation. ...

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      Accepting Mistreatment

      Create a vibration of love and harmony. Misunderstandings, not cleared up, build year after year. Karma is in no hurry. If we do not retaliate for negative events the karma ...

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      Niyama 10: Tapas

      Tapas is to practice austerity, serious disciplines, penance and sacrifice which increases the speed at which we are moving forward on the spiritual path. Daily sadhanas and penance to atone ...

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      Explaining Willpower

      Meditate well by controling thoughts, directing awareness. Will refers to the strength and ability to carry out decisions and plans. Two keys to strengthen willpower. The nature of willpower is ...

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      The Self God

      This is the quintessential spiritual discourse by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami on the goal of soul evolution: Self-Realization. ...

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      The Many Benefits of Temple Worship

      The most important teaching of Gurudeva: "Siva's followers strive for God Realization as the first and foremost goal of life." Gurudeva's mystic and psychic abilities. Gurudeva is the only teacher in modern time to stress temple worship. How the temple works and the ...

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      Find Your Divinity Within, Do Sadhana and Service

      We don't have to do anything to become God. Religion gives us an age-old, well proven structure to move forward. Daily vigil is the discipline, practice and the maturing of ...

    • audio

      Life's Experiences Accelerate Our Evolution

      Most of us need interaction with other people to challenge us, to make spiritual progress. The more we focus on personalities and differences the harder it is to get along ...

    • audio

      Importance of Associations; Hinduism In the Technological Era

      Part 1 of Bodhinatha's Karma Management Course preliminary to a presentation to be given in Singapore including questions and answers from pilgrims/devotees during the 10th Annual Gurudeva Mahasamadhi Celebration. ...

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      Importance of Associations; Hinduism In the Technological Era

      The inner nature of every person is divine. We need a balance in recognizing the inner divinity but discriminating as to the outer relationship. We learn from own mistakes but ...

    • audio

      Importance of Associations; Hinduism In the Technological Era

      Many people end up in the state of mind that we should be doing something else. Accept reincarnation in all of our mind to avoid the frustrations of the western ...

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      Methods for Maintaining Inner Awareness

      When going into meditation have a destiny; find the spiritual energy, the power that's within the spine. Learn how to direct where awareness goes. Keep the awareness found in meditation, ...

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      Conduct, thoughts, life-cycles

      When we think about someone, we're sending a thought form to that person. Start with: "I need to be sending positive thoughts to others." Negative habits, based on recurring cycles, can be avoided by sustaining sadhana. Spiritual practices ...

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      Karma Management Seminar Part 2

      Karma Management Seminar day 2 given to pilgrims and devotees at the 9th Annual Mahasamadhi Celebration preliminary to the presentation in Malaysia with questions and answers. ...

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      How God and Gods Come Into the Murti During Puja; Jivana Ritau

      Three varied Hindu views regarding the Gods and temple images. Gurudeva's perception: During the high point of puja the Deity manifests through the murti for a short or protracted time ...

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      Affirm Your Divinity

      Seeing our shortcomings it's hard to think of ourselves as divine beings. Avoiding that series of memories we don't meditate. Overcoming that involves better understanding, learning from experience, improving our ...

    • audio

      Find the Self

      Wrapped up in externalities, upset, life in a swirl, we forget about going within. Be sublime, control actions through dharma, thoughts through karma. Learn how to meditate. Imkaif: When the ...

    • audio

      You Are the Self, Identify with Awareness

      Find the right balance in the world that you can sustain. Purify, quiet the mind, transcend externalities. See what's always been the core of you; relax into the inner Self. ...

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      The Illusion of the Mind, Self-Reflection, Fulfill Your Duties

      This is a classic talk by Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami from 1962. He explains the illusion of the mind, karma, meditation, dharma, and Self-Realization from the Advaita perspective. He urges listeners ...

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      From Merging With Siva - The River of Life - Part 7

      Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami gives his weekly upadesha in Kadavul Temple at Kauai's Hindu Monastery in Hawaii. It is part seven of a series of talks elaborating on the inspired teachings ...