AskSwami Q&A - Swami Sarvapriyananda

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on June 15th, 2025.List of questions with timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:48 - What is the difference between the soul and awareness?10:39 - How do we break the link between the real and reflected consciousness? 27:44 - How is knowledge different from experience?36:02 - Is enlightenment obtained during meditation or while interacting with the world?49:38 - Is artificial super-intelligence a feasibility?  Could this lead to the end of humanity?59:27 - Can we design a generalized template for Karma?  How can I explain it to my grandchildren?01:05:55 - Doesn't the "consciousness wave" referred to in Buddhism imply duality?01:09:27 - What is the difference between realization that the dream is unreal within the dream (lucid dreaming) vs. in the waking world?

10,864 views May 25, 2025 AskSwami Q&A | Swami SarvapriyanandaQ&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on May 11th, 2025.List of questions with timestamps:00:00 - Intro05:02 - At death, does a fully realized Jivatman merge with Brahman, or does it maintain its identity?16:11 - The Nasadiya Sukta says there is neither existence nor non-existence. But Swami Vivekananda said that creation is eternal. How can these be reconciled?24:29 - What is this ignorance and where does it exist?32:02 - I no longer believe in God or sadhana. What should I do?38:27 - How can I be free of the ups and downs of frustration and elation?52:01 - If God exists, why is there so much suffering? How can I make peace with my past faults?59:22 - The path of Raja Yoga says to shut out the world, while the path of Jnana Yoga requires inquiry into experience. Which one should I follow?01:11:34 - In the Mahabharata it is said "Dharma protects those who protect it". But Swami Vivekananda heard the divine mother say "Do you protect me or do I protect you?" How can these be reconciled?

24,905 views Apr 15, 2025 AskSwami Q&A | Swami SarvapriyanandaQ&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Mar 23rd, 2025. List of questions with timestamps:00:00 - Intro01:43 - Explain the two ways of approaching non-duality: “I am all of it” vs “I am none of it”?15:24 - Is devotion (bhakti) merely an aid to knowledge in Advaita, or something more?29:58 - Is the intense love of God (parabhakti) a form of insanity or mysticism?36:16 - Is Advaita Vedanta falsifiable?52:06 - The importance of asking questions in the study of Vedanta.58:44 - Should we always practice unconditional love?01:11:14 - What is the real meaning of ‘jada’ (insentient) in Advaita?01:20:30 - What is the relationship between Maya and Chit (consciousness)?

40,831 views Mar 3, 2025 AskSwami Q&A | Swami SarvapriyanandaQ&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Feb 23rd, 2025. List of questions with timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:10 - How should we pray? What should we pray for?07:19 - I intend to become a monk. How can I maintain inner peace in the midst of the world before joining?14:48 - What is the best way to read through a text with others?18:50 - Is reflected consciousness the same as witness consciousness?30:28 - How do I apply Vedanta to day-to-day life?  38:23 - How can the world be an appearance to Brahman?54:01 - How can I understand consciousness through service?01:01:21 - How does the mind drop attributes?01:07:21 - If everything is an illusion why am I not an illusion as well?01:18:35 - If no company is better than bad company, how can we practice this without hurting others?01:23:50 - What is it that I want?

45,947 views Feb 5, 2025 AskSwami Q&A | Swami SarvapriyanandaQ&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Jan 26th, 2025. List of questions with timestamps:00:00 - Intro06:25 - How do I see myself as Brahman but still act ethically and lovingly in the world?22:50 - How do I know that I, this Awareness, am Everything?43:45 - If Consciousness is the ultimate reality, is God imaginary?53:35 - How can I think of and worship God when I state that He is only Awareness?01:12:30 - What is the connection between God and Brahman?  What is the relationship between Consciousness and Existence?01:25:09 - Can you speak about free will?01:33:50 - Can we succeed without the fourfold qualifications in Jnana Yoga?

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Nov 24th, 2024. List of questions with timestamps:00:00 - Intro02:44 – How can Shri Ramakrishna’s statement “only God is your own” be reconciled with Holy Mother’s “everybody is your own”?17:51 – Does stopping all thoughts reveal pure witness consciousness and lead to realization?32:18 – Is the gap between two thoughts where pure consciousness shines, and can it only be noticed afterward?38:43 – How to address fear of meditating after experiencing non-duality and loss of individuality?49.36 – Why didn’t you adopt Kashmir Shaivism despite its elaboration compared to Advaita Vedanta?57.36 – What did Swami Vivekananda mean by “Eternal progression is eternal bondage”?01:04:28 – How to reconcile Buddhist teachings on emptiness with Vedanta’s views on self and no-self?01:19:48 – Is pure consciousness the same as God, and why are there so many names for God?01:26:02 – Why doesn’t the Headless Way result in infinite love and bliss as described in non-duality?01:34:24 – What is the relevance of spiritual teachings in a future dominated by super-intelligent AI?01:47:18 – How to practice forgiveness effectively and overcome anger?► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donateVedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchivesWeb: http://vedantany.orgSoundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNYiTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunesSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtBFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Nov 24th, 2024. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:53 - How can I reconcile devotion and non-dual knowledge? 23:27 - If I realize I am pure consciousness, do I also have a vision of God with form? 31:21 - What is Mahat (universal intelligence) in the Samkhya philosophy? 34:24 - Is it possible to practice Bhakti without God or deities? 36:28 - Can you talk about your experience with the monk who said "we are missing it a thousand times every moment"? 54:03 - Can consciousness remain by itself without appearing as objects? 59:13 - Why should I strive for enlightenment? 01:09:00 - How can I keep up study of Advaita without losing interest? 01:14:33 - Is the experience of nothingness in deep sleep the same as the experience after death, or for enlightened souls? 01:18:15 - Does everyone have to go through experience/enjoyment in the world before enlightenment? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Oct 20th, 2024. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:15 - What is the importance of earnestness and renunciation to progress in spiritual life. 13:37 - Do we need a Guru, and what is the relationship betwen the Gurua dn teh Advaitic Self? 19:31 - Is consciousness the controller of actions or is it just a witness? 31:09 - How do we go from reflected consciousness to ‘I am Brahman’? 41:17 - How can I cultivate a desire to meditate and to form a genuine enjoyment of the practice? 01:04:21 - How can I overcome doubts in spiritual life? 01:09:45 - How can dream state be considered equivalent to the waking state? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Sep 29th, 2024. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:04 - Can atheists achieve enlightenment? 09:17 - If the body is inert (jada), how is it able to generate thoughts? 19:03 - If our real nature is prakash (light) does prakash need to be self-aware? 33:57 - Does removal of ignorance require free will? 46:36 - If Brahman is fulfilled, why does it need to appear as Jiva, Jagat, Isvara? 58:19 - What proof is there of awareness in deep sleep?  If deep sleep is the awareness of absence, what is death? 01:10:50 - What should I do if the power of discernment in Vedantic practice is diminished? 01:14:00 - Is breathing Atman?  Can the soul depart if it is Brahman? 01:19:41 - My heart is troubled by the suffering around me.  How can I hold on to Advaita? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on June 23rd, 2024. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:09 - What is the difference between Vedanta, Samkhya, and Yoga? 12:54 - What should I do to make my buddhi accept the truth? 24:54 - Why are we told to practice dharma when Brahman is in everything? 32:10 - How can we recognize our true nature in everyday experience? 44:16 - Even with many practitioners, how many are really practicing Sanatana Dharma? 49:43 - If Brahman, which is real, appears as name, form and function, how can these be unreal? 57:24 - How can I get my mind to sit in the knowledge of the truth in the midst of life's problems? 01:08:41 - How can we detach from the body and mind when we are attached to them? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Apr 21st, 2024. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:50 - What is the nature of sorrow? 23:00 - What is the difference between Samsara in Buddhism and Vedanta?  How does progress in modern medical science relate to Brahman?  32:06 - If I am Brahman then why should I worship God or do karma yoga? 38:32 - Does Advaita claim that it is evolving, or does it claim to be complete? 42:50 - When do we know that we are experiencing pure consciousness and not the reflected consciousness? 53:30 - How there can be no such thing as absolute evil? 58:47 - Can medical science detect a state of enlightenment? 01:06:08 - What is true detachment and how is it achieved? 01:17:18 - How can we reconcile truth and ahimsa (non-injury)? 01:26:06 - Does God consider the devotee to be different from Himself? 01:29:57 - When Swami Vivekananda encouraged Karma Yoga for the upliftment of India, did he contradict his teaching on Bhakti Yoga? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on March 3rd, 2024. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:32 - Where is ignorance?  Is it separate from Brahman? 23:41 - What is the difference between consciousness, awareness, and mindfulness? 32:10 - Is Vrittijnana the same as reflected consciousness?  32:29 - Is Consciousness static, or is it a process?  35:51 - Does existence manifest from consciousness? 37:24 - Who is it that goes from birth to birth; who attains realization? 47:53 - How does a layperson choose a life partner and still hold on to the spiritual path? 50:54 - How can realization come from Karma Yoga or Bhakti Yoga? 01:04:36 - Is there a non-dual way of understanding the practice of vairagya? 01:08:27 - Can an intellectual understanding dispel ignorance, or is something else needed? 01:15:46 - What can we do to hold on to a higher spiritual state? 01:26:48 - How do the bright and dark paths mentioned in the Gita relate to meditation? 01:28:30 - If you are not skilled in meditation, can you still reach the goal? 01:29:20 - What if your life partner drives you away from spiritual life? Is it ok to engage in multiple types of spiritual practice? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Dec 3rd, 2023. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - How can a devotee of God say I am That? 18:34 - Can we say that God as consciousness is within us? 21:07 - Are Bhakti and Janna two sides of the same coin? Is one higher than the other? 32:21 - Can Nididhyasana be considered as a series of small awakenings? 37:44 - Is Advaita profoundly different from Western views? 46:02 - Is the ultimate goal of Nididhyasana to realize or to stabilize? 50:19 - If Atman and Brahman are one, why do they appear to be different? 54:58 - Why are there differences in religions when they have all come from enlightened beings? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Jun 18th, 2023. List of questions with timestamps: 0:00 - Intro 04:17 - All knowledge depends on the knower, known, and instrument of knowledge, yet we are taught that we are none of these.  How can this be reconciled? 19:48 - If science can be used to know the self, does this mean that Vedanta is not a unique instrument for self knowledge?  How can science be used for the study of something without objective qualities? 30:24 - How can we remove doubt?  How is one guided to know Brahman clearly and continuously? 46:43 - How does one become a monk or nun? 48:56 - How do you explain the problem of evil within the realm of consciousness? 01:01:00 - Is Purusha the same as pure consciousness?  When we say “I am imperishable”, how do we know? 01:09:00 - Is consciousness everywhere, not just in living things?  What is the glue that binds Brahman and Maya together? 01:18:35 - We are told we are one consciousness.  Where does Karma come in? 01:25:49 - Will the witness, sakshi, register anything? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on May 28th, 2023. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:00 - Is it correct that Turiya is witnessing and illumining waking dreaming and deep sleep? 16:47 - Is enlightenment spontaneous?  What is the difference between an enlightened and non-enlightened person?   Can an enlightened person see past, present and future? 33:57 - What is the connection between the reflected consciousness and the ego, body, and real consciousness? 41:41 - How do I cultivate faith? 48:23 - How can Brahman be all-pervading, but beyond time and space? 53:55 - How can revelation happen when we silence the mind? 01:11:28 - What is life, and what is the purpose of life? 01:13:58 - If we can create machines that are self-conscious, what is the need for the Atman? 01:20:30 - If Advaita is the truth, why don't all enlightened persons profess it? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Mar 5th, 2023. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:46 - Why do we need to search for the unchanging self? 13:06 - Is it ok to pray to God to satisfy our desires? 26:48 - If avidya (ignorance) is in Brahman, isn't it real? 32:07 - What is Vedanta's view on vegetarianism? 34:35 - How can I develop pure love? 40:07 - Can pure consciousness change the appearance of reality? 48:13 - Can God be both impersonal and personal? 56:01 - Is the anandamaya kosha (bliss sheath) really blissful? 01:02:19 - How does the concept of dependent origination map into Advaitic concepts? 01:06:46 - How is the cycle of reincarnation possible? 01:16:37 - Is there a concept in Hinduism about a personal God that can suffer? 01:21:15 - If all is Brahman, what is wrong with Maya? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Feb 26th, 2023. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 03:17 - How does one love consciousness? 20:04 - What is the purpose of professional ambition and duty? 28:46 - In our waking state, is there a way to find the unity of pure consciousness? 52:15 - Isn't consciousness interrupted in deep sleep? 57:01 - How do you overcome sorrow that comes from seeing the suffering of others? 01:04:28 - How has Karma manifested itself to give rise to the universe? 01:14:58 - If consciousness is universal, why aren't inert objects aware? Isn't consciousness dependent on the senses and mind? 01:25:51 - How can one get rid of unwanted vasanas (desires)? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session led by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Jan 22nd, 2023. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:22 - Can Brahman be equally immanent and transcendent? 21:37 - Who is the doer of action? 33:15 - Swamiji, what is your daily routine? 34:34 - Can art lead us to the infinite?  What is the nature of abhyasa?  What is the nature of vairagya? 54:20 - If Buddhism believes in reincarnation, why not the Atman? 01:01:40 - What do you mean by an appearance in consciousness?  Is it permitted to think of consciousness with qualities? 01:06:36 - How can we be sure that this waking world does not occur in our mind like a dream? 01:12:50 - Does moksha happen at once, or does it happen over time? 01:17:10 - Why are there so many different perspectives on moksha? 01:19:14 - Can there be spontaneous enlightenment without spiritual practice? 01:23:24 - How can reality be truly One? 01:34:01 - When a spiritual seeker becomes stuck, is a guru necessary?    ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session lead by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on June 5th, 2022. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:32 - How is it that the self is in all beings from the chit (consciousness) perspective? 18:37 - Where is my consciousness when I am sleeping? Can I use sleep as a spiritual practice? 26:55 - Will a realized person retain their individuality after enlightenment? 40:38 - Why do we call this world false? 55:53 - What does Sri Ramakrishna mean by going into the black water (in reference to samadhi)? 01:00:30 - If we want to take up a life of renunciation, what practices should be followed? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.

Q&A session lead by Swami Sarvapriyananda at the Vedanta Society of New York on Apr 10th, 2022. List of questions with timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 02:24 - Isn't enlightenment part of Maya? 16:05 - The witness consciousness, sat, chit, ananda, the basis of all truths, cannot perform any action. The mind removes its own veil. How can we turn this understanding into meditation? 34:10 - In the Gospel, Sri Ramakrishna says to "dive deep". What does this mean? 50:05 - What does Sri Ramakrishna mean when he tells Naren "He who was Rama and he who was Krishna was born again as Ramakrishna, but not in your Vedantic sense"?  59:30 - How do I know if I am progressing spiritually?  How can one recognize an enlightened being? 01:15:25 - Why is there a tradition of fear in relation to God? ► To support the Vedanta Society of New York: http://www.vedantany.org/donate Vedanta NY Archives: https://www.youtube.com/c/VedantaNewYorkArchives Web: http://vedantany.org Soundcloud: http://Soundcloud.com/VedantaNY iTunes Podcast: http://bit.ly/vedanta-talks-itunes Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IrDmqXhiGwwyQcIUjRhtB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VedantaNY ABOUT VEDANTA Vedanta is one of the world’s most ancient religious philosophies and one of its broadest. Based on the Vedas, the sacred scriptures of India, Vedanta affirms the oneness of existence, the divinity of the soul, and the harmony of religions. ABOUT US Vedanta Society of New York is affiliated with the Ramakrishna Order of India. In fact, this is the Order's first Center started by Swami Vivekananda, in 1894. It was a historic event, for the seed of the world-wide Ramakrishna Movement was sown here in New York over a century ago. Swami Sarvapriyananda is the present Resident Minister and Spiritual Leader of the Vedanta Society of New York.