On Essential Love, we're unfolding the 70 core verses of the Bhagavad Gita. Chapter 4, Verse 8 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita focuses on the theme of deservershiplessness, as Shri Krishna shares that the Divine manifests—not through birth, but as needed—to protect the virtuous, correct the vicious, and restore righteousness. By being available to Divinity, just as Divinity is always available to us, we align with the timeless tradition of teachers and students.

In Chapter 3, Verse 37, Shri Krishna explains the nature of sin and the inner forces—like desire and anger—that drive us to act against our will. These vices steal our inner peace and block right action, reminding us that to overcome outer enemies, we must first conquer our inner enemies through self-love.

Shri Krishna teaches how to cultivate quietude of mind by offering all actions, thoughts, and even our individuality to the Divine. By letting go of past regrets, calming present excitements, and planning for the future with intention, we align with Divinity and find lasting inner peace. Join us to unlock Essential Verse 9 (Chapter 3, Verse 30)!

In Chapter 3, Verse 21 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna deepens the teaching on right action by highlighting the importance of choosing the right role models. Great personalities—who think long-term, are inclusive, and live with Presence—inspire us to evolve from good to great to Divine, becoming peaceful within and prosperous without.

Chapter 3, Verse 9 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita explores the theme of dedication, as Shri Krishna explains that our attitude in action matters just as much as our intention. By engaging in selfless and dedicated actions, we dissolve the ego and sense of separation, experiencing true freedom—while selfish actions only deepen our limitations.

The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita is a powerful roadmap -- and on this season, we're exploring its essential verses. On this episode, we explore Chapter 2, Verse 55. Here, Prince Arjuna asks about the experience of a still intellect, and Shri Krishna explains that it comes from fulfilling one's responsibilities with dedication. By renouncing all desires, the ego dissolves into the Spirit, leading to contentment, completeness, and the experience of Independent Joy.

On this season of Live Vedanta, we're distilling the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita into its 70 essential verses. In Essential Verse 5 -- from Chapter 2, Verse 47 -- Shri Krishna shifts from teaching about our Real Nature and the nature of change to explaining the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities. When our intention is focused solely on right action—not results or inaction—we cultivate quietude, purity, and freedom from restlessness, laziness, and inertia.

On this season of Live Vedanta, we're distilling the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita into its 70 essential verses. In Essential Verse 4 -- from Chapter 2, Verse 11 -- we learn that our True Nature is Joy. By detaching from the finite—whose transient nature causes grief—we overcome sadness, anxiety, and dejection.

In Essential Verse 3 (Chapter 2, Verse 7), we explore the theme of fearlessness as Arjuna, overwhelmed by the thought of war, turns to Divinity for clarity and guidance. When we admit that relying solely on intellect hasn’t shown us our purpose, we open ourselves to spiritual growth by becoming humble disciples.

Let's unlock our personal transformation through the second Essential Verse (Chapter 1, Verse 25). Prince Arjuna faces a powerful dilemma on the battlefield, torn between fighting against and alongside his own kith and kin. This teaching shows how life's challenges—especially in relationships—can be opportunities for self-development, growth, and rising above fear. On this season of Live Vedanta, we're distilling the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita into its 70 essential verses.

Imagine the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita distilled into its 70 essential verses. Let's unlock our personal transformation through the first Essential Verse (Chapter 1, Verse 1). This chapter centers on the theme of fear, which arises from selfishness and attachment. By fulfilling our responsibilities selflessly, we move from a sense of division toward Oneness with Infinity.

Imagine the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita distilled into its 70 essential verses. On this season of Live Vedanta, let's unlock our personal transformation through Essential Love.

In this special episode, Akshaya sits down with Vivekji to answer real questions from both students and parents about navigating the transition to college life. From letting go with love as children leave for university, to choosing the right opportunities on campus, to staying true to one’s values amidst peer pressure - this conversation is filled with practical guidance and grounded wisdom. Vivekji also addresses questions around identity, change, navigating dating and keeping up a steady spiritual practice while adapting to new routines.

In this episode, recent college graduate Raj Sureka engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shashiji, a longtime Chinmaya Mission sevika and Vedanta teacher. They explore how students can practically incorporate Vedantik principles into everyday academic life—from navigating social and extracurricular commitments to cultivating stillness and discipline amidst chaos. The discussion is filled with personal stories, grounded reflections, and actionable wisdom for young seekers striving to live with purpose and inner balance.

This is Part 2 of our back-to-school series on Live Vedanta. For many, the transition to college can bring more freedoms, a unique opportunity to find one’s passions and to explore one’s career interest, but it can also be a challenging time for many. Here Juhi Kotwani will chat with Brni. Kritikaji, who shares her guidance on how to navigate and respond to the challenges of failure from the lens of Vedanta.

This is Part 1 of our 4-part A Back to School Series on Live Vedanta. From navigating loneliness and evolving friendships to maintaining family connections from a distance, this conversation offers Vedantik tools for clarity and self-rootedness during young adulthood. Whether you're starting college or simply stepping into a new chapter, this episode reminds you that even through change, you can grow with intention and connection. In this episode, Sumanji sits down with Akshaya to explore what it means to live away from home while staying anchored within.

This final episode centers on Puja (To Revere)—honoring true greatness in a way that humbles the ego and uplifts the spirit. Reverence starts with active listening, evolves to active reflecting, then actively living by the example of the wise. A true Guru, or guide, helps us be happier, and in turn, raise happier children.

Pranidhana is the practice of devotion—shifting from parenting through personal identity to parenting as an instrument of the Divine. This path unfolds through satsang (inspiration), lower seva (service with struggle), sadhana (inner work), and finally, Higher seva (selfless service). Santosha, invites us to smile – arising when our actions are offered with sincerity and trust, leading to a calm, joyful presence in parenting. Together, these practices invite us to parent with less control and more allowance.

Shaucha (To Organize) is about more than just physical cleanliness—it's the practice of creating external order to support inner clarity and peace. By organizing our spaces, schedules, and influences, we create a calm foundation for family life. Tapa (To Discipline) builds on this by channeling that order into resilience, helping us and our children grow stronger and more present, even in discomfort.

Satya (non-compromising) is about staying true to your highest values, choosing not to compromise them for lesser desires. Practicing Satya means approaching others with curiosity rather than judgment. Svadhyaya (to understand) teaches that understanding yourself is the key to understanding others. This can be nurtured through daily reflection, solitude, and mindful practices.