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Thinking Bhakti

Author: Swami Revatikaanta

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Welcome to 'Thinking Bhakti', the podcast where wisdom from the bhakti tradition meets modern issues! 
Whether you're a dedicated Vaishnava, a spiritual seeker, or just curious about the intersection of faith and current affairs, 'Thinking Bhakti' offers insightful discussions that resonate with those seeking for deeper meaning in our complex world. 

Swami Revatikaanta, a long-term disciple of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, is a monk and a prolific public speaker with almost two decade’s worth of experience. 
With his sharp intellect and straightforward approach, get ready for refreshingly honest conversations on spiritual matters. 
Join Swamjii and amazing guests as they explore today's intellectual challenges through the enlightening lens of Paramahamsa Vishwananda's teachings.

43 Episodes
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Bhakti Yoga Changed My Life In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta sits down with Bhagawati Dasi, a yoga teacher and Bhakti practitioner, to explore how yoga can return to its authentic roots beyond trends and business. Together, they discuss the commercialization of yoga in the West, the loss of depth in modern practice, and how Bhakti Yoga offers a path back to sincerity and spiritual connection. Bhagawati Dasi shares her experience teaching yoga in New York City, reflecting on how inner tran...
What if someone in your family started doing things no one could explain? In this episode, we hear the personal account of someone who grew up with Paramahamsa Vishwananda — not as a distant guru, but as a close friend. From sacred ash (vibhuti) appearing on photos to spontaneous spiritual visions, these aren’t stories from books — they’re real experiences. Joined by Swami Revatikaanta and Mayuran, we explore key moments, including Ravi’s encounter with the Divine Mother — a life-changing ex...
In this episode of Thinking Bhakti, Swami Revatikaanta speaks with Swami Tulsidas about spiritual life, creativity, and community-building. They begin with the story behind the podcast—how it started in the ashram with limited resources and a basic setup. Swami Tulsidas shares what pushed him to keep recording despite the challenges. The conversation moves into personal reflections on discovering Paramahamsa Vishwananda and building a devotional path without a ready-made community. They dis...
From Neuroscience to the Ashram: Swami Anashuya’s Unconventional Journey In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Swami Anashuya shares his search for truth—from childhood questions about death and the soul to rigorous studies in biochemistry and neuroscience. After walking away from academia, he explored shamanic traditions in the rainforest, vibrational healing, and New Age practices, only to find that none could offer the clarity or heart-opening love he was seeking. Watch T...
Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa – Hindu priest, author, lecturer, and President of the Hindu Federation of Spain – shares inspiring insights into his efforts to unify the different Hindu traditions in Spain as well as in Europe. He speaks about the differences with other religions, the challenges he faces, and the many beautiful teachings he has learned over the years in this role. He emphasizes the importance of using common sense to support this work. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://...
Meet Mahesh Kale, an Indian-American classical vocalist and playback singer renowned for his specialization in Indian Classical music, sharing deep insights into his life. He is one of the most prominent Indian Classical musicians of the new generation. How did it all start for him to develop such a passion for music? What does it mean to travel around the world, and how can someone develop such a love for music? His answers are fascinating, and in the end, he gives everyone hope by sharing t...
In this episode with Shandilya, we dive into the true essence of yoga, exploring its connection to God, the role of intention, and the evolution of its practices. The discussion starts by challenging modern perceptions of yoga, highlighting the importance of understanding it as a conscious path towards God. The conversation contrasts Patanjali's classical yoga, emphasizing its practical structure, with the deeper, spiritual aspects taught in the Bhagavad Gita. The hosts reflect on the essence...
When someone truly dives into the spiritual journey, they are faced with many pitfalls and challenges along the way. One of these is the need to avoid desires that entangle the individual further in mundane reality. But what if there is a much more common danger that can sabotage the journey even more, yet one is not fully aware of it? Listen to Swami Revatikaanta as he explains in this satsang the importance of recognizing this enemy as soon as possible, before it becomes too late to confron...
In this episode, we hear the story of Paartha, the first devotee of Paramahamsa Vishwananda in Europe, and how he met his guru at a very young age—an encounter that shaped his entire life. He shares insights about the early years of Bhakti Marga in Europe and how it gradually evolved from a small community into the global movement we know today. Swami Revatikaanta poses a fundamental question: How has Paramahamsa Vishwananda changed over the years? Has he become more strict? Has the path beco...
This video is a continuation of the previous one. This time, we watch Stuart Knechtle as he speaks with a young student about frequently debated topics such as karma and caste. They also discuss the meaning of proselytization from both Christian and Hindu perspectives. Is Stuart Knechtle’s criticism of Hinduism valid, or is there a significant misunderstanding at play? Furthermore, Swami Revatikanta's analysis delves into whether followers of Sanatana Dharma should share their faith with ot...
In this podcast the essence of the upcoming book of Mayuran Senthilnathan will be discussed. Back to Ayodhya is a unique and intriguing spiritual commentary on the ancient scripture of the Ramayana. Leading the reader through the dramatic events of this epic story, it reveals extraordinary hidden insights about the spiritual journey, with life lessons to help one make real changes along the way. As the story unfolds, we see that the Ramayana is not merely an ancient narration, but rathe...
What does it mean for two young individuals to grow up in a Hindu spiritual community from a very young age, coming from very different backgrounds? Meet Shridara and Lakshmianandani Dasi, a young couple who grew up in Bhakti Marga, as they share their stories about experiencing this unique path and how they have been perceived by the outside world. What are their daily struggles, and what changed, especially after their initiation as devotees? They also share how the Youth Summe...
From Worst Enemy to Best Friend Navigating through life, changing locations and surroundings, altering appearances, or acquiring new possessions might create the illusion that external changes can bring everlasting happiness. Yet, we often overlook the one constant companion within us, present 24 hours a day, which doesn’t always have our best interests at heart: the mind. According to the Bhagavad Gita, when uncontrolled, the mind is our greatest enemy; when disciplined, it becomes our most...
In this episode, we will hear the life story of Ameyatma Das, a renowned musician who went on an adventurous journey to finally meet his satguru. Through this path, he was able to embrace his God-given talent to help others, while always being reminded that every gift comes from God and that healers should see themselves as instruments in His hands. We will explore the challenges within modern New Age spirituality, highlighting the importance of proper knowledge to avoid falling into ego-dri...
In the final episode of the Tādātmya Vedānta series, we explore the nature of Śrī Hari, focusing on His essence and qualities, as well as His various avatāras. Additionally, we delve into His manifestations as the Satguru, Śiva, and Devī. The nature of the soul (ātma) will also be discussed, including the reason for our long journey and the nature of its relationship with Śrī Hari. From the ultimate perspective, the Lord remains truly inconceivable to the limited human intellect. Where intel...
The second episode delves into a deeper analysis of Tādātmya Vedānta - A Treatise on the Philosophy of the Hari Bhakta Sampradāya, written to provide a foundational philosophical conclusion (siddhānta) based on the teachings of Paramahamsa Vishwananda. It situates the contemporary movement of the Hari Bhakta Sampradāya within the expansive traditions of Vaiṣṇavism and Vedānta. In this episode, we explore the landscape of Vedānta and its significance, examining what makes Vedānta unique among...
Sampradāya Politics The first episode discusses the myth of the four Sampradāyas, which is largely based on a specific verse in the Padma Purana. This verse is often used today to discredit Sampradāyas that fall outside of this system. Originally, it was intended to unify the various traditions, but over time, it became a tool to assert the legitimacy of one's own tradition, overlooking the true essence of a Sampradāya. This essence is far simpler and should centre on elements such as...
This episode delves into profound spiritual themes, including recognising the guru and the deep lessons found in the Guru-Disciple relationship. However, the steps to perfection are not always smooth. Swami Paranthapa, a long-term disciple of Paramahamsa Vishwananda, shares insights from his journey. Swami Paranthapa recounts significant spiritual encounters, including meetings with Hanuman, and discusses the value of friendship, the importance of taking risks for the Guru, and a recent book...
Each person on this planet goes through the same journey of rediscovering the purpose of life, oneself, and our connection with God. From an early age, Nikunja explored many different spiritual traditions, but deep inside, she felt there had to be something real, free from hypocrisy, that would give her the answers to her questions and the longing she had to discover the truth. Then, one day, when she met her satguru, Paramahamsa Vishwananda, her search ended, and she found what she had bee...
Swami Bhakti Vedanta Muni Maharaj speaks in this episode about his deeply touching experience of how he handled the departure of his guru. What can devotees learn from such an experience when the guru leaves the body? We also discuss Vaishnava unity, sadhana, and spiritual maturity. Swami Bhakti Vedanta Muni Maharaj was born in a high class Vaishnava family in India. He has started practicing Bhakti Yoga since age of five. He sung devotional songs under the personal guidance of ...
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