Thinking Bhakti
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.
Episodes
45 episodes
The Real Reason Your Spiritual Practice Feels Empty
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." Fo...
The Rationalist vs. The Poet: Why Logic Isn’t Enough for a Relationship with God
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 P...
Is Physical Yoga Compatible With Traditional Bhakti? | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP42
Bhakti Yoga Changed My LifeIn 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...
Paramahamsa Vishwananda's Cousin Relates Incredible Stories | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP41
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 (...
Building A Temple for Lord Narasimha in New York | Thinking Bhakti EP40
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 ...
Why a Scientist Left Academia in Search of the Truth | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP38
From Neuroscience to the Ashram: Swami Anashuya’s Unconventional JourneyIn this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, Swami Anashuya shares his search for truth—from childhood questions about death and the soul to rigorous stud...
Hinduism in the West with Pandit Krishna Kripa Dasa | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP37
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 abou...
Becoming Yourself Through Music | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP36
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 ge...
The History & Evolution of Yoga | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP35
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...
The Need to Say No | Swami Revatikaanta
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 ...
How Did Bhakti Marga Begin? | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP34
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 Bhakt...
Karma, Caste & Hindu Proselytisation - Analyzing Cliffe & Stuart Knechtle Part 2
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 Christia...
Making the Ramayana a Reality - Back to Ayodhya Book Launch | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP33
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 drama...
Growing Up In Bhakti Marga | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP31
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...
How To Master Your Mind | Swami Revatikaanta
From Worst Enemy to Best FriendNavigating through life, changing locations and surroundings, altering appearances, or acquiring new possessions might create the illusion that external changes can bring everlasting happiness. Yet, w...
The Problem with New Age Spirituality | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP30
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 ...
Defining the Categories of Reality - Tādātmya Vedānta Series 3/3 | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP29
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 n...
The Vedanta of Paramahamsa Vishwananda - Tadatmya Vedanta Series 2/3 | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP28
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 Vish...
The ‘Sampradaya Game’ - Tadatmya Vedanta Series 1/3 | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP27
Sampradāya PoliticsThe 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.&n...
The Challenges of the Guru-Disciple Relationship | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP26
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 P...
Letting Go of Expectations & Attachments in the Pursuit of Truth | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP25
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...
Vaishnava Unity & Spiritual Maturity with Swami Bhakti Vedanta Muni Maharaj | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP24
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 di...
Why Sharing Your Spiritual Experiences Matters | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP23
The Divine Realm and reality often go unseen by our limited senses, perceived as just another mundane phenomenon. However, it takes strong faith, dedication, and a longing heart to go on a spiritual journey and seek God. Throughout his...
Why Serve a Guru? | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP22
What does it mean to serve a guru directly, and what would be the outcome of this service when someone engages in it? Rishi Pankaj grew up in Bhakti Marga with his family and was later appointed as the personal secretary to Paramah...
Can Hinduism, Islam and Christianity co-exist in harmony? | Thinking Bhakti Podcast EP21
The Problem With Exclusivity DoctrinesIn this episode, Swami Revatikaanta will discuss with Mayuran the hot topic of whether the three major religions can coexist in harmony. Are there any overlapping beliefs, or is...