40 Daily Devotion Without ISKCON: An Alternative Bhakti Path Rooted in Dharma

Sharing a website that offers a path to finding bhakti yoga in one's daily life based on the teachings of Swaminarayan. This is an alternative approach then that offered by ISCKON & other groups. Plus a story of Zen Buddhism, & discussion of five vows vs four regulative principles. Note, this website is no longer available. Live 6.10.20230:00 – Intro (apologies for technical problems), Shri Krishna Sharanam Mamah (Ashtakshara Mantra) 7x2:36 – Alternative Bhakti Yoga path instead of Swami Prabhupada & ISKCON5:00 – Bhakti Yoga path of Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya on new website of Arizona Vedic Cultural Center of Shree Swaminarayan Gurukul USA (not BAPS) 6:25 – About website author & scholar Ananda Bhagat, finding new English translations of Swaminarayan books, his re-discovery of lost Ashtakshara Mantra11:05 – Promo video of website from Arizona Vedic Cultural Center 13:56 – Contents of website, remembering god during day via Zen Buddhism story, when spirituality is easy vs hard19:55 – Bhakti yoga builds a personal relationship with god21:00 – Ramanuja's unknown lineage24:03 – How to become a devotee of god, genuine Sanatana Dharma/Hindu teachings & traditional vs a mix of beliefs & our own ideas26:24 – Five Vows vs ISKCON's four regulative principals27:30 – Closing thoughts, Shree Swaminarayan Sampradaya is homeFrom site's Intro: " Many people long for a meaningful and enduring connection with something larger than themselves. They search for calm, purpose, and fulfillment in a world filled with chaos, distractions, and transient pleasures. Bhakti Yoga supplies the means to satisfy these desires and fulfill the primary goal of human life, forming an eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord. Through examining the process of Bhakti Yoga, we will learn the methods and insights that enable us to incorporate it into every facet of our lives from sunrise to sunset. By drawing upon the knowledge of sacred scriptures, the direction of spiritual masters, and the wisdom of great devotees, we will learn how to incorporate devotion into our daily lives. By regularly practicing satsang, prayer, mantra meditation, pooja, kirtan, dhoon, selfless service, and other sacred devotional exercises, we will feel our longings subside, and our sense of contentment and purpose develop. This webpage offers practical, step-by-step directions to motivate and direct us along the path of devotion; it is not a theoretical discussion of Bhakti Yoga. It is a guide for the serious seeker. Bhakti Yoga awakens our hearts, promotes compassion and understanding, and infuses our lives with meaning and joy when performed with sincerity and devotion. It offers a comprehensive strategy for integrating Bhakti into our daily lives that enables us to experience the love and realization of Lord Swaminarayan."This podcast was a 2025 People's Choice Podcast Award nominee. On Apple Podcasts it's been the #1 most listened to show in the Philippines, and in the top 20 in France, Sweden, Belgium, Spain, Israel, Switzerland and Australia.For independent thinkers who’ve outgrown spiritual, cultural and political fluff, and want more out of life than what society often offers. This isn’t about trends, vibes, or blind devotion. Tune into my live show for unfiltered commentary on politics, culture, music, religion, and society from a rational, historical and politically conservative perspective.I’m Aaron Joy in Portland, Maine, USA (also known in spiritual circles as Premanand Das Bhagat). I'm a writer, musician, ultra-runner, and former thespian. Visit my website for my books. I'm also trained as an Integral Vedic Counselor, Certified Spiritual Life Coach and Ayurveda Specialist and follow the spiritual path of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma) of the Ramanuja lineage.Email: [email protected]: https://linktr.ee/aaronmjoy