Thinking Bhakti

In this video Swami reflects on a conversation he had with a friend during this summer's Just Love Festival. The conversation centered around our inability to stand by our choices in life, with genuine acceptance and contentment. People that should be speaking of love, gratitude and the celebration of life, so often fall into the trap of complaining and victimhood to earn the pity and compassion of others, while hiding from their own responsibility and agency. Swami offers important perspectives and advice for how to tackle the issue! Connect with the Community: 📍 Visit us in NYC: Join our community at Bhakti Marga NYC in Manhattan - https://bhaktimarga.nyc 🕉️ The Ashram: Filmed at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira, NY. - https://bhaktimarga.us/ 📸 Instagram: Follow Swami Revatikaanta at [@svrevatikaanta] Subscribe for new videos every two weeks. Think deeply. Love fearlessly. Jai Gurudev Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

In this special lecture delivered during the 2026 Gurupurnima celebrations at Shree Peetha Nilaya, Swami speaks about the 5 different stages a spiritual seeker will progress through in their relationship with their Satguru. Drawing parallels between the role of the teacher and life itself, Swami explains how to best navigate and understand each stage, giving concrete examples and insights into how to ultimately take their relationship with their guru and with themselves to the next level! Connect with the Community: 📍 Visit us in NYC: Join our community at Bhakti Marga NYC in Manhattan - https://bhaktimarga.nyc 🕉️ The Ashram: Filmed at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira, NY. - https://bhaktimarga.us/ 📸 Instagram: Follow Swami Revatikaanta at [@svrevatikaanta] Subscribe for new episodes every two weeks. Think deeply. Love fearlessly. Jai Gurudev Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta explores the struggle between immediate gratification (Preyas) and truly doing what is good and beneficial in our lives (Śreyas). From birth, society conditions us to seek pleasure at every moment. However, this relentless pursuit of convenience, prestige, and pleasure often comes at a severe cost to our personal growth, inner peace, and true Divine connection. Drawing from the Katha Upanishad, Søren Kierkegaard and St. Augustine, Swami unpacks how we can change our ways, moving from pleasure-seeking to dharmic living and eventually pure love. Connect with the Community: 📍 Visit us in NYC: Join our community at Bhakti Marga NYC in Manhattan - https://bhaktimarga.nyc 🕉️ The Ashram: Filmed at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira, NY. - https://bhaktimarga.us/ 📸 Instagram: Follow Swami Revatikaanta at [@svrevatikaanta] Subscribe for new episodes every two weeks. Think deeply. Love fearlessly. Jai Gurudev Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta sits down with Sarvamohini Dasi (Kristina Margolin) to discuss the role of numerology and astrology in understanding our nature and purpose. In this personal discussion, Sarvamohini Dasi opens up about her realization that while these ancient sciences can explain the patterns of our lives, they cannot fully satisfy the heart's ultimate desire for divine love. We discuss what it means to honor these tools that help us navigate this world, while ultimately giving our hearts to the spiritual practice that takes us beyond it—a graduation that led her to the shelter of Paramahamsa Vishwananda and the path of pure Bhakti. Connect with the Community: 📍 Visit us in NYC: Join our community at Bhakti Marga NYC in Manhattan - https://bhaktimarga.nyc 🕉️ The Ashram: Filmed at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira, NY. - https://bhaktimarga.us/ 📸 Instagram: Follow Swami Revatikaanta at [@svrevatikaanta] Subscribe for new episodes every two weeks. Think deeply. Love fearlessly. Jai Gurudev Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

People often ask Swami a very specific question: "What kind of God do you believe in?" But in truth, they aren't just asking for a name. They are asking about the fundamental nature of the "type" of God he believes in. Today, modern seekers are often forced into a frustrating dilemma. As the famed historian Yuval Noah Harari points out, society seems to present us with only two options: the "Mystery God" (a vague, unknowable cosmic energy that asks nothing of us) or the "Lawgiver God" (a petty cosmic dictator obsessed with micromanaging our daily lives and punishing our mistakes). It is completely understandable why so many people — including Harari himself — run away from the Lawgiver God. When religion is used to control or oppress, rejecting it is a profound survival mechanism. Hence the rise of the "spiritual but not religious" movement. But is this a false choice? In our justified rush to escape this "Cosmic Dictator", have we accidentally over-corrected into a state of personal comfort and complacency masquerading as spirituality and "seeking"? In this video, Swami deconstructs this potential ego trap. We explore the lost etymology of the word "religion" and its connection to yoga, and we look at how the Bhagavad Gita offers a solution to Harari's false binary. It presents God not as a giver of absolute laws backed by the threat of eternal damnation, but rather as an offerer of a user manual for our consciousness, backed by the endless patience , mercy and love that we all intuitively associate with the true figure of God. Connect with the Community: 📍 Visit us in NYC: Join our community at Bhakti Marga NYC in Manhattan - https://bhaktimarga.nyc 🕉️ The Ashram: Filmed at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira, NY. - https://bhaktimarga.us/ 📸 Instagram: Follow Swami Revatikaanta at [@svrevatikaanta] Subscribe for new episodes every two weeks. Think deeply. Love fearlessly. Jai Gurudev Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

How can we reconcile the miracles of different, seemingly contradictory religions? If they all claim to be the only truth, who is lying? For the atheist, if every religion claims exclusive miracles that contradict each other, the most logical conclusion is that they are all making it up. The typical religious response, claiming our miracles are from God and theirs are from the devil (or just fake), is intellectually unsatisfying and only fuels tribalism. In this episode Swami Revatikaanta challenges these positions through the Hindu lens by asking the questions, “What if God is truly universal? What if He responds to the sincere longing of a person's heart, rather than the theological accuracy of their institution?” He opposes the typical apologist response from Frank Turek and grounds Alex O’Connor’s expectation of compassionate reciprocation from God in a Vedic framework. Drawing on the profound, macro-level vision of the Bhagavad Gita and the Rig Veda, Swami explores how Sanatana Dharma solves this dilemma without invalidating anyone's profound personal experiences. Connect with the Community: 📍 Visit us in NYC: Join our community at Bhakti Marga NYC in Manhattan - https://bhaktimarga.nyc 🕉️ The Ashram: Filmed at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira, NY. - https://bhaktimarga.us/ 📸 Instagram: Follow Swami Revatikaanta at [@svrevatikaanta] Subscribe for new episodes every two weeks. Think deeply. Love fearlessly. Jai Gurudev Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta sits down with Ananta Das (Franco Erazo) to explore the world of psychedelics and earth medicine in the spiritual world. Following a successful corporate career, Ananta Das immersed himself in the world of shamanic earth medicines—specifically Kambo and Bufo (5-MeO-DMT). In this mature conversation, Ananta Das shares his gratitude for these sacred tools, highlighting how they served as powerful catalysts to wake him up and point him toward the Divine. Together they explore how a deep respect for shamanic traditions led Ananta Dad to step beyond them—meeting Paramahamsa Vishwananda, taking Vaishnava devotee initiation, and finding a lifelong path to carry him upwards and onwards. Connect with the Community: 📍 Visit us in NYC: Join our community at Bhakti Marga NYC in Manhattan - https://bhaktimarga.nyc 🕉️ The Ashram: Filmed at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira, NY. - https://bhaktimarga.us/ 📸 Instagram: Follow Swami Revatikaanta at [@svrevatikaanta] Subscribe for new videos every two weeks. Think deeply. Love fearlessly. Jai Gurudev Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

Why is it that despite doing all the "right" spiritual work — the meditation, the yoga, the reading, the workshops — we still feel empty and frustrated? In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta explores the trap of "Spiritual Consumerism." For many of us, especially in an impatient results-oriented world, we’ve been conditioned to think of the Divine as a vending machine: if we put in the time, the effort, or the money, we expect an immediate "hit" of peace and love in return. It is this misunderstanding of the nature of spirituality and God that keeps us chasing the elusive experience of spiritual fulfillment. Drawing on the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the social critique of Erich Fromm, Swami discusses why a "quick fix" approach to these issues always leads to a dead end. Instead, we explore how to move from a transactional relationship to a service-based relationship, shifting from the limited and superficial "having" into the real and fulfilling "being". Connect with the Community: 📍 Visit us in NYC: Join our community at Bhakti Marga NYC in Manhattan - https://bhaktimarga.nyc 🕉️ The Ashram: Filmed at the Paranitya Narasimha Temple and Ashram in Elmira, NY. - https://bhaktimarga.us/ 📸 Instagram: Follow Swami Revatikaanta at [@svrevatikaanta] Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

Why is it that for so many people, the "smarter" they are, the harder it is to have a relationship with God? In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta explore the internal friction between two archetypes we all carry: The Rationalist and The Poet. The Rationalist demands facts, logic, and efficiency. But the Poet doesn't allow those things to limit what the heart feels. Drawing on the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the Western philosophy, Swami discusses why you don’t have to abandon your intellect to become a devotee. Instead, we explore how to marry the "Rationalist" who reasons with the "Poet" who loves. If you’ve ever felt like a "spectator" in your own spiritual life—watching and critiquing from the sidelines but never actually getting on the court—this video is for you. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 transformation and devotion can be integrated into daily life. The conversation touches on the importance of community, mindfulness, and keeping spiritual intention alive in a world driven by image and success. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 experience that later continued with a darshan of Lord Narasimha. The life of Paramahamsa Vishwananda continues to inspire and reminds us that the Divine is still fully alive today — touching not just one life, but many. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 discuss the effort it takes to keep serving and growing spiritually even when things are far from ideal. One focus is the role of prayer—not as obligation, but as something natural and meaningful. Another is the Tulsi plant, its place at Shree Peetha Nilaya, and how respecting it deepens the experience of bhakti. They also reflect on tradition, etiquette, and how spiritual practice becomes personal over time, even when it feels complex at first. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 that basically, everyone can sing—but one main ingredient is needed. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 of Bhakti Yoga and Atma Kriya, stressing that yoga is more than physical postures – it's about the relationship and devotion to the divine. The episode also touches on the challenges of navigating the modern yoga landscape, where the practice has often been stripped of its spiritual roots. The importance of Shaktipat (the divine initiation) in Atma Kriya is emphasized, showing how grace and divine connection are integral to truly understanding yoga. Ultimately, the conversation underscores that yoga, at its core, is about a relationship with the divine, not just physical outcomes, and invites listeners to explore different forms of yoga that go beyond the surface, leading to a deeper understanding and connection with God. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 confront it and to avoid unnecessary suffering on the spiritual journey back to Sri Hari. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 become more serious in the light of his mission to bring his students to God? We also explore the balance between independence and dependence, as well as the true meaning of service to God—something Paartha deeply sought to understand. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 others—and if so, in what way. At the end, Swami Revatikaanta asks the question: Is the method of debate valid? Is it a means of discovering truth, or merely a tool for winning over the audience? Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

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 rather an inner reality to be discovered, and the separation and union of Lord Răma and Sita is the dynamic that plays between God and the soul. Rama is the incarnation of the highest Divinity, He is the Master, while Sita is the soul. About the author and guest: Mayuran Senthilnathan is the author of Avatars of the Master and The Hypocrite Within. He is a senior teacher of philosophy for Bhakti Marga. His particular passion lies in analysing Hindu scripture and sharing the wisdom that has been imbibed through his Master, Paramahamsa Vishwananda. Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial