Readings from "Eternal Values For a Changing Society by Swami Ranganathananda"

In today’s episode we continue the discussion of Science and Religion, as Swami Ranganathananda talks about Dharma and Social Ethics and elucidates with so much depth on the Indian spiritual tradition.  He talks about para and apara vidya that we read about in earlier chapters of this book setting the stage more and more on the depth of scientific thought and inquiry from the times of Ancient India and the obvious reflection in our modern day. _____Music Information:Source:https://pixabay.com/music/meditationspiritual-relax-463106/Artist: Dmitrii Spis (NastelBom)Title: Relax

In today’s episode we continue the discussion of Science andReligion, as we get in to the kinship, as Swami Ranganathananda puts it between the spiritual ethos of anciet Vedanta and Modern Science.  In the context of this synthesis the Swamirefers to Srimad Bhagvata and the complentary nature of physical science and the science of religion and how the words of Sri Krishna Himself shed light on this subject.  He then goes on to talk about India’s religious urge of realization and not speculation !________________________________Music Information:Source:https://pixabay.com/music/meditationspiritual-relax-463106/Artist: Dmitrii Spis (NastelBom)Title: Relax

Today we will continue where we left off and read the Swami’s thoughts Evolution both organic and psycho social, and also the evolution of knowledge to Wisdom ! _________________________________Music Information:Source:https://pixabay.com/music/meditationspiritual-relax-463106/Artist: Dmitrii Spis (NastelBom)Title: Relax

In this episode we continue to read the Swami’s words on Science and Religion as he references the Upanishads and talksabout the spirit of critical inquiry in India. He then goes on to talk about some of the limitations of physical sciences through this lens of philosophy and spirituality. We will also read about the mysteries of the Universe and the Human being in the context of Physics and Biology. ___________________Music Information:Source:https://pixabay.com/music/meditationspiritual-relax-463106/Artist: Dmitrii Spis (NastelBom)Title: Relax

Today we will begin to read one of the most significant works of Swami Ranganathananda, one that finds immense resonance with the modern day. “Science and Religion” – two seemingly dichotomous concepts of thought that the Swami as woven together with such lucidity and wisdom._____Music Information:Source:https://pixabay.com/music/meditationspiritual-relax-463106/Artist: Dmitrii Spis (NastelBom)Title: Relax

Today we will read a new chapterwhere Swami Ranganathananda talks about the path of devotion in Indian Spirituality. The Chapter is Titled Srimad Bhagvata on the Central Theme of the Bhakti Upasana.The Srimad Bhagavatam is the ripened fruit of Vedic wisdom — a poetic revelation of divine love, devotion, and the nature of the Self. It chronicles the incarnations of Lord Krishna and the conversations of sages, guiding seekers toward spiritual truth and inner freedom. ___________Music Information:Source: https://pixabay.com/music/search/flute/Artist: AlaminHossain1989Title: Relaxing Krishna Flute Music. Deep Sleep Relaxing Music

As you are aware we are reading the chapter on the Spriritual Life of the Indian People in 3 parts. Today we conclude this chapter with a reading of the Swami’s analysis on Shiva, Budhha and a beautiful analogy of Shakti in the context of the kinship with the Japanese gods or Kami.  __________________________Music Information:Source: https://pixabay.com/music/search/flute/Artist: AlaminHossain1989Title: Relaxing Krishna Flute Music. Deep Sleep Relaxing Music

As you are aware we are reading the chapter on the Spiritual Life of the Indian People and we shall be reading it in 3 parts. In today’s episode we will pick up where we left off and read the Swami’s words on the Four Yogas, the pre-eminence of Bhakti or devotion, the evolution of the Santana Dharma, and the worship of Divine Incarnation. ______________Music Information:Source: https://pixabay.com/music/search/flute/Artist: AlaminHossain1989Title: Relaxing Krishna Flute Music. Deep Sleep Relaxing Music

Today we will begin reading a new chapter and we will break this out into three episodes.  In this episode we will readthe Swami’s take on the spiritual aspirations and activities of the people of India. He begins with a discussion on the immensity and variety of India, talks about the scientific basis of Indian Spirituality, then goes in to Swami Vivekananda’s path breaking philosophy of the innate divinity of the human being, followed by a synthesis of the teachings of the Gita and the Upanishads.We will end this episode with an introduction into the the science and Art of Yoga. ------Music Information:Source: https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/musical-poorvi-panthuvarali-raga-449562/Artist: Saseendran - Musician Volinist GuitaristTitle:Poorvi Panthuvarali Raga

In this episode we will read another chapter that talksmore about Sri Krishna as the Swami emphasizes on the universality of Sri Krishna’s message and the relevance it holds in this day and age. This was a talk given over All India Radio on August 29th 1956_____________Music Information:Source: https://pixabay.com/music/search/flute/Artist: AlaminHossain1989Title: Relaxing Krishna Flute Music. Deep Sleep Relaxing Music

In this episode we will read a new chapter discussing one of the greatest of Avataras – Sri Krishna. The chapter is titled “The Personality of Sri Krishna” and the Swami traces this legendaryDivine life from boyhood to the majesty of a ruler. This was delivered as  talk over All India Radio in Delhi, in Marchof 1951._____________Music Information:Source: https://pixabay.com/music/search/flute/Artist: AlaminHossain1989Title: Relaxing Krishna Flute Music. Deep Sleep Relaxing Music

Today we read a new chapter titled “The Avatara as Divinity”  where Swami Ranganathananda explores the essence of the Avatara from a historic and spiritual lens and the impact of such “heroes” in our socio cultural traditions and ethos.  He elucidates effortlessly on this “concentrated and intense life energy” and its impact on humanity. ______________Music Information:"Magic Garden" - Composed by Martha MierPerformed by Parijat Sarkar

Today we will read a short but a very significant chapter titled “The Avatara as History Maker” where the Swami gets into a very unique and poignant perspective Indian spiritual traditions. In today’s parlance, the word avatar has a very comic of comedic but well meaning reference to a caricature of oneself on social media platforms and the like. This is the 21st century. In our 21st episode, we will go back to the origin of this word and the wisdom behind it._______Music Information"Interlude" - Composed by Martha MierPerformed by Parijat Sarkar

In this episode we will conclude the chapter we began last time and read more on the Swami’s take on the nature of the Self of the Human being.  True to his vast encyclopedic knowledge,Swami Ranganathananda speaks of this Vedantic concept and and finds synchronicity with the works of HG Wells, GP Wells and Julian Huxley.  ______Music InformationSong of Peace - Composed by Martha MierPerformed by Parijat Sarkar

Today we start reading a new chapter that the Swami has titled “ The Central Theme of the Gita” where the Swami prefaces the core message of the Gita from the perspective of the Greatest Teacher – Sri Krishna and his role as the “parthasarathi” or the charioteer of Arjuna, but literally and figuratively in being the warrior prince’s friend philosopher and guide. _____Music Information"Song of Peace" Composed by Martha MierPerformed by: Parijat Sarkar

Today as we conclude this chapter, we begin with the concepts of desire and desirelessness , and Swami Ranganathanandaji ties it all beautifully to Arjuna’s humility and submission to his divine friend, philosopher and guide, Sri Krishna.It may be of interest to know these lectures were delivered in Sind, which is currently in Pakistan, during the months of February and March in 1946, a year before India’s independence. ----Music InformationSong: MirageComposer: Chris HaugenWebsite: https://soundcloud.com/chris-haugen-551939035License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-freeMusic powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

In this episode the Swami introduces the idea of Guru and Shishya that is of utmost significance in ancient Indian traditions, and exemplifies it so beautifully with Sri Krishnaand Arjuna in these two pivotal roles. ________________________Music Information:Song: AwakeningComposer: Steffen DaumWebsite: No URL availableLicense: Creative Commons (BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Music powered by BreakingCopyright:https://breakingcopyright.com

In today’s episode we will pick up where we left off and read Swami Ranganathanandaji’s take on the concepts of “ethicalsense” and how it is a by product of spiritual growth, and some of the deeper nuances in the Gita, that we can often miss. He talks about how Ethical sense and Spiritual Growth go hand in hand in the words of Sri Krishna to Arjuna and compels us to see the relevance of these universal truths even today. ______Music InformationSong: MirageComposer: Chris HaugenWebsite: https://soundcloud.com/chris-haugen-551939035License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-freeMusic powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

In today’s episode Swami Rangananthanandaji beginswith the initial mental tonic that Sri Krishna offers to Arjuna as he urges him to rise and cast away his faint heartdedness. The Swami then elucidates how this tonic is not just for Arjuna alone but is a wake up call to all of us who are doused with lethargy in mind and body. He then goes on to talk about the innate divinity of the Human being that is the essence of Vedanta. The paragraphs I will read today are a beautifultransition of some potent verses for our warrior prince from the words of the Lord, and the Swami unfolds a deeper truth that is relevant and relatable even in the present day. Music Information:Song: PurposeComposer: Jonny EastonWebsite: https://www.youtube.com/jonnyeastonLicense: Creative Commons (BY-NC 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

In today’s episode the Swami writes with such eloquence on the significance of Sri Krishna in the context of Indian culture, and how his divine words are wellspring of great philosophies that define this great nation. Swami Ranganathandanda discusses some nuggets from the first chapter of the Gita and how it so much more than a religious text.  He talks both about the teacher Krishna and hisable disciple, Arjuna and his dilemma.Music Information Song: MirageComposer: Chris HaugenWebsite: https://soundcloud.com/chris-haugen-551939035License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-freeMusic powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

In today’s episode the Swami begins todiscuss the personality and permanence of Krishna in the spiritual context of India. But prior to that he talks about how the cornerstone ideas of every epoch in India translated into becoming a living and breathing philosophy because of the stalwarts who made this happen_______Music Copyright Information: Song: PurposeComposer: Jonny EastonWebsite: https://www.youtube.com/jonnyeastonLicense: Creative Commons (BY-NC 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

In Today’s episode we begin  a new chapter titled “An Introduction to the Study of the Gita’. We will begin with reading a few pages from the first subsection in it called “ The Bhagvat Gita, a Universal Gospel” Swami Ranganathananda starts to delve deeper into the study of the Gita highlighting its universality and then goes on to discuss the nature of the dialog in this epic text and its synthesis with the Upanishadicideas. Music Information: No Copyright Infringement. Track Title : Just Relax

In Today’s episode Swami Ranganathananda introduces one of the most sacred of Hindu Texts .. the Gita. It is a fascinating chapter where the Swami talks about this magnificent pieceof poetry that defines Hinduism in the context of world religions as a treatise that belongs to the class of “literature immortal”.   Music Information: No Copyright Infringement. Track Title : Just Relax

Today we will read the entire chapter titled The Spirit of the Upanishads. This was a talk that was delivered over All India Radio on December 21st 1950.  The Swami introduces the philosophy and perspectives of the Upanishads and goes on to explain the essence of all 10 of them.  He then goes on to explain the synthesis of these ancient Hindu scriptural text with the dynamism and universality of life and living.  The timelessness of the text is beautifully explained and how the socio-spiritual characteristic of India is rooted in these texts.

 In today’s episode the Swami introduces some very profound and poignant perspectives that will have lasting impact as delve further into the Eternal Values and their relevance in modern day. He first talks about the infinite scope of Sanatana Dharma, and its ultimate objective is to empower and enable man reach the Divine.  He then talks about Yoga as way to make this happen. He then goes on to expound on the essence of Sanatana Dharma being that of acceptance and not mere tolerance,  and finally concludes this chapter discussingthe liberating influence of Vedanta on mind and thought.

In this episode we will continue reading the from the chapter we started last time, titled The Philosophy of The Eternal Religion.  Swami Ranganathananda in this chapter talksabout concepts which to me personally, feel like the perfect playbook to not only survive but thrive in the 21st century. As  Hindu from India, I feel I am being reintroduced to my faith with a completely new lens. It will interest you to know as we continue to read this chapter,  this was a 2 session talk SwamiRanganathandanda presented over All India Radio, in Delhi on 17th and 24th of February 1950.

Today we will begin reading the chapter titled “The Philosophy of The Eternal Religion” where Swami Ranganathananda delves into the concepts of Vedanta, its philosophical and spiritual basis and its implications on Sanatana Dharma and of course the vision of such an ancient and yet temporally pertinentline of thought and action.

The chapter I will read today is called the Appeal of Vedanta to Modern Man, and in it Swami Ranganthananda begins with an explanation of the word Hindu followed by a very scientific introduction to the approach of the Upanishads. He then brings in the foundational concepts of Vedanta and its universality and a high level discussion of its key teachings.  The universality of Vedanta is not only evident in the words he has written buteven in their reach. This chapter is a speech the Swami deilvered in Athens, Greece, way back in 1961, in collaboration with UNESCO during his 17 country lecture tour of Europe that spanned 4 months.

In the passages in this episode, we will conclude the reading of the first chapter in the first volume. It may be of interest to you know, these passages I have been reading in these first 5 episodes were from the speech titled “The Essence of Indian Culture” delivered by Swami Ranganathananda, at theRamakrishna Mission Institute of Culture in Kolkata, in December of 1964. The reason I bring this up is to highlight how eternal his words are and how timely they will seem today.  His thoughts on acceptance, tolerance, assimilation of various cultures and influences to create Indian thought is so inspiring from a global perspective.

Today’s episode we shall read passages that talk to the Godliness in man, the origin and evolution of such thought, and the synthesis of Greek and Indian philosophies during concurrent times.

In today’s readings, Swami Ranganathananda begins to explore the charm of the Upanishads and Upanishadic thought. He traces the development of Indian spirituality to ancient times and brings in the evolution of the inward thinking man, as opposed to the outward thinking often found in Greek history.Swamiji draws wonderful parallels of how ancient Greek saw man as a part of a society of community and gave precedence to his socio political identity.  Indian Upanishadic thought went a step further and took the Greek dictum of “man know thyself” to become a practical reality in the Indian mind. One that became the wellspring of thoughts on manifestation of man’s true self, his questions on death and beyond, so on andso forth.

The passages I will read in this episode, continue from the previous one where Swamiji has starts to weave in the origin and significance of the Upanishads.  He will talk more about this in the subsequent chapters but for now, he introduces the interconnectedness of this profound Hindu text with the philosophy that was found in India at that time, and thesynthesis with modern scientific thought seen in western civilization. Swami Ranganathandanda quotes Charles Darwin and Julian Huxley and various other thinkers in his passages. His mind was a library of cross referenced indicesthat continue to awe and inspire even today

This episode explores the profound essence of Indian culture through the insightful lens of Swami Ranganathananda. Drawing upon the wisdom of renowned historians and philosophers, Swamiji presents a sweeping view of India’s cultural heritage—tracing its roots back to the Indo-Aryan era and examining the evolution of the intellectually awakened human being. With clarity and conviction, he lays the foundation for a broader understanding of India’s socio-cultural and spiritual legacy, highlighting its enduring relevance in the context of modern scientific thought. This treatise is not just a reflection on the past, but a compelling bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary inquiry.

Welcome to “Readings from Eternal Values for a Changing Society by Swami Ranganathananda.” This podcast brings you chapter-by-chapter readings and reflections from one of the most revered spiritual thinkers of modern India. Swami Ranganathananda, the 13th President of the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, was a visionary monk whose teachings bridged timeless Vedantic wisdom with the challenges of contemporary life. This episode is a brief overview of this illustrious author and his iconic treatise that I shall read to you chapter by chapter. The relevance of his words is timeless, and especially timely in today's world. We shall reflect on this and I will try and incorporate some interesting anecdotes from this life and teachings, that continue to affirm, how beautifully and poignantly he lived and practiced the truths, he so effortlessly expounded. Swami Ranganathananda was my Spiritual Guru, so on this auspicious day of Guru Purnima I am humbled to launch this first glimpse.