2. Mahabharata: Indian Philosophy of Values

Welcome to the opening session of “Mahabharata: Indian Philosophy of Values,” presented by Swami Tattwamayananda.0:00 – Introduction: Vyasa and His Contributions1:52 – Vyasa’s Physical Appearance & Inner Greatness4:13 – Karma Analogy: The Calf Always Finds Its Mother8:02 – Dharma & Leadership (Rāja Dharma)11:33 – When Dharma Fails: Decline of Civilization14:03 – Universal vs Contextual Dharma19:21 – Why the Righteous Suffer While Wrongdoers Prosper23:34 – Gandhari’s Blindfold & Symbolism25:16 – Krishna Explains Parental Duty to Gandhari30:34 – Introduction to the Yaksha Prashna36:20 – Pandavas Reach the Lake38:58 – Yudhishthira Meets the Yaksha41:14 – Yaksha Prashna Begins42:19 – The Greatest Wonder (People See Death Yet Think They Are Immortal)50:10 – Who Is Truly Wealthy? (The Wealth of Punya)✅ Q&A Section (Condensed)53:07 – Q&A Begins53:14 – Why Vyasa Felt Inner Emptiness (Despondency Story)55:55 – Narada’s Teaching & Birth of the Bhagavata Purana59:12 – Lessons from Gandhari’s Story1:01:36 – Dharma & Empathy (Anukrosha)1:06:04 – Misapplied Dharma (Prithviraj Chauhan Example)1:11:28 – Did Bhishma Fail in Dharma?1:12:40 – How Association with Adharma Clouds Judgment1:16:00 – What Is “Statecraft” (Rāja Dharma)?1:18:16 – Draupadi’s Prayer and Surrender to Krishna1:21:01 – How to Approach Reading the Mahabharata1:24:08 – Closing RemarksThis program is part of the series: The Foundational Texts of Indian Philosophy.The Mahabharata, one of India’s greatest epics, offers profound insights into dharma, ethical reasoning, spiritual discipline, and the principles that shape inner harmony. In this series, Swamiji examines the epic through the lens of Vedanta, revealing how its timeless teachings can guide modern life, personal development, and values-based living.Speaker: Swami TattwamayanandaStart Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m. (Pacific Time)Format: Online Class (hosted by the Stanford Hindu Students Association)Join the livestream on YouTube, or participate via Zoom or Facebook. All are welcome.For more information on this series and other programs, please visit:👉 https://sfvedanta.orgPlease continue to monitor our website for the latest information, and please email [email protected] for any inquiries.                 Vedanta Society of Northern CaliforniaContact Us:Email: [email protected]: sfvedanta.org