Rasikswami Podcast

Ep. 22 - Desire Shapes DestinyIn this soul-stirring episode, Rasikswami explores the mysterious force that molds our lives: desire. Sharing personal reflections and rich anecdotes—from childhood dreams of football to the spiritual longing ignited by saints—he reveals how our internal and external environments shape our aspirations, and how our soul’s true desire is awakened through sadhu-saṅga, the association of saintly devotees. Anchored in the teachings of Śrīla Gurudeva and the Bhakti tradition, this class illuminates the transformation from material longing to divine yearning, reminding us that destiny begins not with effort alone, but with the right desire—born from grace, nurtured by saints, and fulfilled through love.

Ep. 21 – I Love Me vs. You I Love (ft. Bhaktivedanta Nemi Swami)This intimate episode opens with a hauntingly beautiful violin performance by Bhaktivedanta Nemi Swami, who shares the origin of his song as a gift for Srila Gurudeva—a musical meditation on love’s evolution. At the 5-minute mark, Rasikswami enters with a bold dismantling of modern self-love culture, tracing its subtle dangers through the lens of Bhakti philosophy. With poetic clarity, he reveals how true fulfillment comes not from loving oneself, but from loving the Supreme Self in others. Then, at 44:25, Nemi Swami returns to the mic, diving deeper into the transformative power of selfless devotion, guiding us from narcissism to genuine love. This episode weaves together music, memory, and deep spiritual insight to ask the timeless question: who—or what—do we truly love?

In this special bonus episode of the Rasikswami Podcast, From the Rasa Dance to Sankirtan, we journey from the eternal pastimes of Krishna’s rasa dance with the gopis to the gift of sankirtan given for this age by Sri Chaitanya and Nityananda. Rasikswami explores how the rasa dance reveals the soul’s eternal relationship with Krishna, the role of Radha’s grace, and how pride and humility shape our connection with the divine. From the gopis’ heartfelt longing to the blossoming of kirtan as the highest expression of love and unity, this talk illuminates how chanting the holy names draws us into the ocean of bliss, transforms self-interest into shared devotion, and invites all souls into the ever-expanding circle of divine love.

Ep. 20 – Putting Out the Forest FireIn this piercing and poetic episode, Rasikswami explores the inner house of the soul—our body—and the sacred Guest who dwells within. Drawing from the teachings of Lord Caitanya and the story of the saintly prostitute Pingalā, he unveils how kīrtan extinguishes the forest fire of material suffering by revealing the ever-present Supersoul in the heart. With vivid analogies, heartfelt humor, and mystical depth, he dissects the traps of external pleasure, the five ‘prostitutes’ of the senses, and the fate of our false attachments. The result is an intimate call to redirect our longing from outward entanglement to the divine relationship within, where the true Beloved awaits.

Ep. 19 – Americana BhaktiIn this heartfelt and humorous episode, Rasikswami reflects on the beautiful collision of Bhakti and the American spirit. From dusty road trips to temple basements, diners to dhāms, he shares how spiritual sincerity can bloom anywhere—even in the most unexpected places. With stories that weave together small-town honesty, big-hearted seekers, and the universal cry for divine love, this episode reminds us that Bhakti isn’t bound by geography—it flows wherever hearts are open.

Ep. 18 – Seeing the Universe WithinIn this mystical episode, Rasikswami tells the story of Ganesha and the golden mango to reveal a core truth of Bhakti: the power of devotion does not lie in outward effort, but in inward realization. As Kartikeya races to encircle the world, Ganesha simply walks around his divine parents—seeing the entire universe within them. Through this tale and others, including the parables of the candle-lit room and the hidden backyard treasure, Rasikswami guides us to the essence of Bhakti as the path of simplicity, sincerity, and surrender. He reminds us that true power lies not in achievement but in connection; not in what we do, but in the love and clarity with which we do it. Through kirtan, prayer, and introspection, the mirror of the heart is polished—and in that reflection, the divine becomes visible.

Ep. 17 – Essence Over EffortIn this luminous episode, Rasikswami shares a heartfelt parable of two disciples tasked with filling a room, illuminating the deeper truth that light—and love—can do what toil alone cannot. From the battlefield of the Gita to the quiet revelations of Krishna’s divine play, we are guided into the subtle art of surrendering to essence over exertion. The stories weave lessons on responsibility, devotion, inner joy, and the breathtaking humility of Śrī Rādhā, whose love alone conquers the unconquerable. Through poetic insight and radiant reflection, this episode gently reminds us: true fulfillment begins not with strain, but with sincere connection to the divine within.

Episode 16: Sri Radha’s Victory ParadeIn this breathtaking episode, Rasikswami unpacks the deep spiritual significance of Ratha-yatra—not just as a celebration, but as Sri Radha’s triumph. With poignant scriptural insight and poetic narration, he explores Krishna’s heartbreaking departure from Vrindavan, Radha’s divine madness in separation, and the crescendo of love that culminates in their reunion. Through tales of gopis lying before Krishna’s chariot and Mahaprabhu weeping in ecstasy, we come to understand how Ratha-yatra is Radha’s ultimate victory: the moment when Her love draws Krishna back home. This episode is a love letter to divine longing, reunion, and the power of selfless devotion.

Episode 15: Duty vs. Divine LoveIn this stirring episode, Rasikswami explores the mystical power of aligning one’s life with divine service. Through vivid storytelling and timeless Vedic parables—including the tale of the street boy who became king—he illustrates how choosing responsibility over enjoyment awakens our true sovereignty. Drawing from the heart-wrenching dilemma of Krishna leaving Vṛndāvana to fulfill His cosmic duty, Rasikswami challenges listeners to reflect on what it means to live a life of purpose, loyalty, and deep inner devotion. A call to action for all spiritual warriors to embrace their dharma in service of Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s mission.

Episode 14 – The Complete Guru and Mission UpdatesOn this sacred day of Guru Pūrṇimā, Rasikswami unpacks the full meaning of “Guru”—not as a figure of the past, but as an ever-living presence in the heart. We journey from Śrī Vyāsadeva and Śukadeva Gosvāmī to the modern Yugācārya, Śrīla Bhaktivedānta Nārāyaṇa Gosvāmī Mahārāja, whose mission is still unfolding through his disciples today. With poetic stories, personal reflections, and a rallying call to serve, this class weaves timeless wisdom with real-time updates—reminding us that the torch of bhakti isn’t passed, it’s ignited within.

Ep 13 – How Śrī Guru Serves in Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa LīlāIn this heart-melting episode, Rasikswami reveals the hidden glories of Śrīla Gurudeva—not only as a guide in this world but as an eternal associate in the divine pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Drawing from Gurudeva’s own realizations and teachings, he shares how remembrance of Guru leads to entrance into the eternal līlā, and describes Sevakuñja as “the temple of Gurudeva’s heart.” Through poetic glimpses from Sankalpa-kalpadruma, we’re invited into the intimate mood of the manjarī’s service—leading Rādhārāṇī to Kṛṣṇa, fanning the Divine Couple, and glorifying Them with flower-like poetry. This is more than philosophy—it is a call to deepen our connection to Guru, whose mercy alone can unveil the true goal of bhakti.

Ep. 12 – Becoming Krishna ConsciousIn this soul-stirring talk, Rasikswami shares the inner science of becoming Krishna conscious—not just in practice, but in heart and mind. Drawing from Lord Chaitanya’s teachings to Sanatana Goswami and the deep insights of his Gurudeva, he reveals how real bhakti begins when we unite body, mind, and soul through śravaṇam (hearing), kīrtanam (chanting), and smaraṇam (remembrance). With heartfelt clarity, he emphasizes that chanting is not mechanical—it’s about engaging the mind in meditation on Krishna’s form, guided by the mercy of the Guru. “Your perfection,” he reminds us, “is no longer dependent on your sadhana—it is waiting on the grace of the perfected devotee who takes responsibility for your soul.”

Ep 11 – From the Material to Spiritual DimensionIn this illuminating episode, Rasikswami unpacks two timeless parables to guide the soul from the illusions of material life to the fulfillment of spiritual reality. Drawing from Srila Gurudeva’s 2003 lecture in Alachua, we explore Lord Chaitanya’s allegories that reveal the hidden treasure buried in our true nature and the dangers of false spiritual shortcuts. With philosophical clarity and heartfelt reverence, Rasikswami shows how chanting, saintly association, and remembrance of the guru are not just practices—they are the eastward path that leads to the soul’s rightful home.

Episode 10: The Mirror of the Heart — Finding Radha-Krishna WithinIn this mystical episode, Rasikswami guides us into the sacred depths of the heart, the "Chaito," as described by Lord Chaitanya in the ancient Shikshastakam prayers. Here, the heart is more than an organ—it's a mirror reflecting the divine forms of Sri Radha and Krishna. Rasikswami explains that cleansing this mirror through chanting and devotion isn't just about stillness, but about ecstatic union, revealing the soul's eternal place in the divine couple's ever-unfolding pastimes. Listen as he shares the inner secrets of how the pure devotee's heart becomes the secret grove of Radha-Krishna’s playful, loving exchanges—where the soul no longer feels alone, but eternally woven into the divine dance of love.

Episode 9 – Playing Hide and Seek with KrishnaIn this emotionally evocative episode, Rasikswami explores the mystical game of hide-and-seek between the soul and the Supreme Beloved. From Lord Brahma’s search through cosmic darkness to the Gopis’ divine longing in the Rasa Lila, we’re guided through layers of devotional evolution—seeking Krishna first for sustenance, then for love, and finally, as the heart’s only true Beloved. Rasikswami reveals that the soul doesn’t truly find Krishna by effort alone, but by becoming so lovable He comes seeking you. With poetic insight, we discover that Krishna hides not in some distant realm, but in the heart’s sacred seat, waiting for love to awaken Him. Drawing from the moods of the Gopis and the fearless devotion of Radharani’s maidservants, Rasikswami shows us that the highest seeker is the one who stops seeking and simply loves.

Episode 8 – Secrets to Universal AbundanceWhat if the true key to abundance isn't in getting more—but in becoming someone worthy of receiving more? In this illuminating episode, Rasikswami reveals profound, counterintuitive truths about wealth, worth, and divine generosity. Drawing from the teachings of his guru, he redefines money as Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, and explores how selfless service, inner purity, and alignment with a higher purpose unlock the flow of spiritual and material blessings. A bold reimagining of prosperity rooted in devotion, energy, and love for the greater whole.

Episode 7 – The Subatomic Reality of the SoulIn this captivating episode, Rasikswami guides us into the atomic and subatomic structure of the soul, likening spiritual reality to a quantum realm of divine particles and consciousness. He explores how to enter the Guru’s eternal timeline—Nitya-lila—by harmonizing with the Guru’s inner essence, and how love, not ego, is the passport to that sacred inner reality. Through poetic analogies, such as the solar system of the heart and the manjari cluster of flowers, we are invited to reflect on the delicacy of divine love and our place in the infinite, blissful dance of the soul.

Episode 6 – From the Birds to the Divine BeesIn this lush and luminous episode, Rasikswami guides us from the earthly imagery of birds and bees to the mystical heights of divine attraction. He reveals how even the most detached sages, the four boy-saints born of Brahma’s mind, were ultimately overcome by the fragrance of pure devotion—drawn irresistibly to the lotus feet of the Supreme. Through tales of Krishna’s supreme magnetism, the maddened love of Srimati Radharani, the transcendental fragrance of tulasi, and the mystic consciousness of saints, we begin to understand how all beauty, desire, and bliss trace back to the all-attractive Lord. This is a journey through layers of reality, from sensuality to soul, where love itself is revealed as the highest path—and where even the bees know to serve at the feet of Sri Radha.

Episode 5 - Women and the Start of ReligionIn this soulful episode, Rasikswami weaves a forgotten history—how, in the stillness after the Mahabharata war, it was the quiet faith of pious women that rekindled the flame of true religion. As the dust of battle settled, love took root where power once ruled. Through stories of Krishna’s divine descent, the feminine force of Bhakti, and the hidden rhythms of time, Rasikswami reveals how devotion—not dominion—is the heartbeat of spiritual life. This is a journey through epochs and inner worlds, toward the dawning of a new age: the Prem Yuga, where divine love begins to rise again.

Episode 4 – The 4th Incarnation of GodIn this electrifying retelling of one of the most dramatic stories in Vedic history, Rasikswami shares the appearance of Lord Narasimha, the fierce half-man, half-lion incarnation of God. Through personal stories, scriptural depth, and rich spiritual metaphor, Swami explores the themes of divine protection, childlike faith, and the unstoppable power of pure devotion. Meet Prahlad, a fearless child-saint whose love of God transforms even the darkest evil, and witness how the Supreme breaks every law of nature to uphold truth and love.