Advaita After Hours

Rajesh Ramanathan and Narayanan unpack Swami Paramatananda’s Maya Panchakam discourse and reveal why this short lecture lands like a complete reset for anyone trying to understand Advaita beyond the usual textbook explanations.

Teaching isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating space for curiosity, dialogue, and growth. From Balvihar to AI, this conversation explores how educators evolve with their students and why human connection still matters most.

In our conversation, we dive into the profound meanings behind Shiva and Shakti, reflecting on how these archetypical energies guide our personal journeys. Shiva represents stillness and consciousness, while Shakti embodies dynamism and creation. These dual forces teach us about balance, urging us to integrate both aspects into our lives for holistic growth. What’s fascinating is how personal experiences shape our understanding of these energies. As we share our stories, we uncover insights that speak to our shared humanity. Join the discussion and discover your connection to these powerful symbols.

Hari Om, I am Rajesh Ramanathan and in today’s conversation, Narayanan and I delve into the multifaceted nature of meditation, exploring its purpose, challenges, and various techniques. We discuss the importance of quieting the mind, the journey of mindfulness, and the role of inquiry and surrender in deepening one's meditative practice. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they highlight the transformative power of meditation in achieving calmness and self-awareness.

In today’s conversation, Narayanan, Shillika, Gopi, Neha and I reflect on the differences between seva and seva bhava – the importance of intentionality behind an act of seva. We delve into our experiences with bringing seva bhava into our personal and professional lives, and discuss how that has enriched us.

In today’s conversation, Narayanan, Shruthi, Arjun, Shillika and I reflect on the concept of Seva (selfless service) and its profound impact on personal growth, self-discovery, and community engagement. Two high school students, Arjun and Shruti, share their experiences and insights on how engaging in service activities has shaped their identities, aspirations, and relationships.

In this New Year’s conversation, Narayanan, Shillika, Neha and I reflect on our spiritual experiences from last year. We explore the concepts of swadhyaya (self-study) and pravachana (teaching) while emphasizing the significance of recognizing the divine in everyday life.

In today’s Post-Thanksgiving conversation, Narayanan and I reflect on saying thank you and living a life of gratitude. We discuss the role of food in our lives and dwell upon the meaning of three common slokas that are said before eating –Brahmarpanam, Aham Vaishwanaro Bhutva and Annapurne Sadapurne.

Narayanan, Shillika and I reflect on the concept of Saranagati or surrender in the modern context. We talk about the relationship between surrender, ego and unconditional love.

Hari Om, I am Rajesh and in today’s conversation, Narayanan, Gopi, Shillika and I reflect on a discourse by Swami Aparajitananda on the Sunderkand. We explore the lessons we can learn from Hanumanji around Bhakti (devotion), Jnanam (true knowledge) and Surrender.

In today’s conversation, Narayanan, Kailash and I delve into the themes of ego and leadership. We explore the role of ego in decision-making, the importance of servant leadership, and the challenges of navigating promotions and raises. The discussion emphasizes the need for gratitude, acceptance, and finding meaning beyond external validation in one's career. Ultimately, we advocate for a leadership style that prioritizes the success of the team and the greater good over individual ego.

In today’s conversation, Narayanan and I delve into the concept of non-doership and its practical application in daily life. We explore the balance between personal agency and the acceptance of outcomes, discussing how to navigate success and failure without becoming overly attached to either. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of intention behind actions and how reframing motivations can lead to a more fulfilling and less ego-driven life.

In this episode, we explore the unseen gurus that play a transformative role in our personal growth. We discuss how nature, children, and everyday experiences serve as unseen gurus, providing valuable lessons about selflessness, mindfulness, and emotional awareness.

What's the difference between a Guru and Teacher? What are the qualifications to be a Guru? What do we need to bring to the table as a Shishya (student)? How do spiritual groups fit into the modern search for a Guru? Join us to hear more.

In this episode, Shillika, Narayanan and Rajesh discuss their personal expression of Bhakti and the factors that have influenced them. The conversation delves into the essence of bhakti, exploring how it manifests within individuals and how personal experiences shape one's connection to the divine. Through shared childhood memories, stories of grace, and the importance of recognizing divine presence in everyday life, they emphasize the significance of openness and receptivity in fostering a relationship with God.

In this episode, we explore the concept of Bhakti, its significance in personal spirituality, and how it can be integrated into daily life. We discuss the various paths to understanding God, including Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti, and the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the divine. We explore vexing questions such as: Where does and where should Bhakti fit into daily life priorities and spiritual priorities? During our regular day, how do we remember and find God? How do we reconcile that God is within us, but also worship and love our Ishta Devatas? And finally, how do we cultivate raw love for God and understand His miracles?