Shows
Wisdom of the SagesMany Miles to Settle the MindIt took 40, then 25, then 30 miles before the mind finally stopped screaming and started praying. Fresh off a solo bike ride through the Adirondacks, Raghunath and Kaustubha dive into practical bhakti: how movement can quiet the mental “algorithm,” how to use Kārtika (Damodara Month) to turn up your practice x1000, and why the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam’s Brahma-vimohana lila (Brahma Mohan Leela)—when Kṛṣṇa becomes every cowherd boy and calf—reveals more than wonder; it maps how God and God’s energies actually work. Key Highlights * “Metaphysical Amazon Prime”: stop praying for two-day shipping; start praying “What do You want...
2025-10-0656 min
Wisdom of the SagesSoftening the Heart: Bhakti Yoga & the Power of EmotionThe Bhagavad-gītā is more than philosophy—it’s full of feeling. Arjuna’s grief and Krishna’s compassion remind us that yoga is not about suppressing emotions but purifying and deepening them. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore Krishna’s pastime of becoming every cowherd boy and calf in Vṛndāvana, where ordinary love becomes unlimited when connected to the Divine. The lesson: to experience the emotions of bhakti, we must keep our hearts soft and respectful toward all beings. Also: Raghunath clears his head on a bike ride, Mara has her “Govardhan Hill mo...
2025-10-0156 min
Wisdom of the SagesEverybody’s Looking for Krishna (Even If They Don’t Know It): George Harrison’s Bhakti PerspectiveEverybody’s Looking for Krishna (Even If They Don’t Know It): George Harrison’s Bhakti Perspective George Harrison once wrote, “Everybody is looking for Kṛṣṇa. Some don’t realize that they are, but they are.” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how this simple insight lines up perfectly with the teachings of the Bhakti tradition. Why is it that every craving—for love, beauty, peace, security, adventure—always points us back to Krishna? Why is there really no turning away from Him? Drawing from the stories of the Bhāgavatam and the wisdom of the sages, th...
2025-09-3052 min
Wisdom of the SagesTruth + Discipline: Tuning In to the All-Pervading DivineThe Upaniṣads say the Divine is hidden like fire in wood, cream in milk, oil in sesame seed—revealed only through truth and discipline. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how yoga and the Gītā echo this same teaching: God is everywhere, but without discipline you only pick up static. With truth and practice, the channel clears. Or as our Friend, Matthew Perry, once put it: “God is everywhere—you just have to clear your channel, or you’ll miss it.” Srimad Bhagavatam 10.13.15-19 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU T...
2025-09-2957 min
Wisdom of the SagesSaturday Night Fever Meets the Vedic PuruṣaWhat does John Travolta strutting through Brooklyn with two slices of pizza have to do with the Ṛg Veda’s yajña-puruṣa, the divine person behind the cosmos? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha show how Travolta’s swagger reflects Krishna’s playful personhood in Vṛndāvana. We explore how the Bhāgavatam reveals God “off duty”—laughing, eating with his friends, and personally searching for lost calves—while also guiding us toward fearlessness, community, and deeper spiritual focus. Key themes include: * Travolta’s swagger as reflection of Krishna’s divine personhood * God Off Duty: yajña...
2025-09-2457 min
Wisdom of the SagesThe Opposite of Love is Illusion: Bhakti, Dharma, & Mandalas as RealityRabindranath Tagore wrote that “Love is the only reality… the ultimate truth at the heart of creation.” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore why the opposite of love isn’t hate but illusion, and how failing to see others as sparks of the divine disconnects us from reality itself. From Krishna’s cosmic picnic mandala to Lord Jagannāth’s worldwide Ratha Yatra, and even a few Roomba and Nutella detours, discover how Bhakti yoga reveals love as the center of all existence. 🌟 Subscribe for daily bhakti wisdom. 🎧 Listen now and let the change begin within. Srim...
2025-09-2355 min
Wisdom of the SagesRewiring the Inner World: Why Weren’t We Taught This in School?Bhakti practices like chanting, kīrtan, rising early, study, and satsang aren’t side notes—they’re the training ground for reshaping the inner world so the outer world follows. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha reflect on first encounters with sādhana in Vṛndāvana and dive into Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.12, where Krishna liberates the snake demon Aghāsura and reveals how even a moment of remembrance can transform destiny. Key Highlights: * Daily bhakti practices as inner rewiring. * Why moving won’t fix the mind—but sādhana will. * Vṛndāvana as a culture of practic...
2025-09-2259 min
Wisdom of the SagesWe Become What We Behold: Choosing the Spiritual Tools That Shape UsWhat you hold in your mind shapes you. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore Marshall McLuhan’s famous line—“We become what we behold”—and connect it with Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Do we let random media and impulses shape us, or do we consciously adopt tools that align with who we want to become? From the media-is-the-message to Bhāgavatam 10.12, we enter Aghāsura’s cavernous “cave,” watch Krishna rescue His friends, liberate the demon, and trigger a celestial celebration. Along the way: fearlessness vs. recklessness, why a morning program beats doo...
2025-09-1753 min
Wisdom of the SagesWhy We Can’t Stand Others’ Happiness: A Bhakti PerspectiveHow is it that we can feel unhappy when we see someone else happy? And what does that reveal about the condition of our mind and heart? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore envy through Shakespeare’s words, Patrick Henry’s warning, and Aghāsura’s jealousy in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.12. They discuss why resentment is a form of spiritual self-sabotage, how bhakti transforms envy into empathy, and why the cowherd boys’ simple joy surpasses even the achievements of the greatest yogis. Highlights include: • Shakespeare on envy: “O, how bitter…” • Patrick Henry’s verdict: jealousy = the only vice with no pleasure • Aghāsura as...
2025-09-1656 min
Wisdom of the SagesDebate Without Hate: Some Thoughts After the Charlie Kirk ShootingWhen debate turnsviolent, yogis reach for higher tools—not more gasoline. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha reflect on the rising culture of outrage and political violence, using the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk as a moment to pause and ask: how can we disagree without dehumanizing? Drawing from Śrī Caitanya’s example of gentle but powerful debate, and the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam’s accounts of Krishna’s childhood pastimes, they explore practical bhakti principles that can steady the heart even when the world feels unstable. Key Highlights * The provocateur trap: why inflammatory speech breeds more c...
2025-09-1553 min
Wisdom of the SagesSmall Acts, Infinite Meaning | The Pinnacle of Vedānta in Simple LoveRaghunath and Kaustubha explore how the pinnacle of Vedānta and yoga is revealed in the simplest exchange: Mother Yaśodā calling little Kṛṣṇa home for dinner. They unpack why quality of love matters more than quantity of achievement, and why “do small things with great love” isn’t just a sweet saying—it’s the key to real growth. Drawing from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.11), Mother Teresa, Lord Rāma’s squirrel story, and reflections from Scottie Scheffler, the world’s #1-ranked golfer, they reveal how fleeting victories fade while love endures. From cows and calves to the defeat of Bakasura...
2025-09-1056 min
Wisdom of the SagesBorn to Give: How the Universe Trains the SoulAnne Frank once wrote, “No one has ever become poor from giving.” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how the universe itself is designed to train us to give—first through external acts of sacrifice and service, and ultimately by offering the heart. Through the lens of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and the Bhagavad-gītā’s peace formula (5.29), they unpack why we are born to give, not to possess, and how life’s tapas transforms into joy when directed as seva. Key Highlights * Born to Give (not to hoard): generosity as the soul’s natural state. * Th...
2025-09-0958 min
Wisdom of the SagesModern Minds Stuck in Outrage Cycles — The Bhakti Exit StrategyHate shrinks the soul, but devotion expands it. This episode weaves together Booker T. Washington’s timeless wisdom with the Bhakti-yoga path of love and transformation. From Washington’s refusal to let hatred narrow his soul to Nārada’s “curse that cures” and Baby Krishna’s Dāmodara pastime, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how bhakti disarms resentment, envy, and bitterness—and replaces them with clarity, compassion, and joy. Discover why contempt is spiritual quicksand, how outrage has become the new addiction, and why love is the only effective recovery plan. With humor, storytelling, and insights from the Bhāgavatam...
2025-09-081h 00
Wisdom of the SagesWar & Peace & Bhakti: When Tolstoy’s Insight Meets Baby KrishnaPierre Bezukhov’s captivity in War and Peace leads him to a discovery straight out of yogic wisdom: happiness is within, suffering can transform into blessing, and the company of a saintly soul changes everything. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack Tolstoy’s descriptions of Pierre’s awakening through Platon Karataev and connect them with the bhakti truths of the Bhagavad-Gītā and the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. From Pierre’s realization that “Life is everything. Life is God” to baby Krishna’s playful liberation of two fallen demigods, the timeless message shines through—what looks like misery may be the doorway to divine joy.
2025-09-0300 min
Wisdom of the SagesThe Price of Wealth and the Vision of the YogiThe Sage Nārada’s tough-love blueprint takes center stage as Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how losing comfort—or choosing austerity—acts like “ointment for the eyes,” restoring humility, compassion, and spiritual clarity. Along the way, a striking line from Benjamin Franklin sheds light on the danger of being possessed by wealth, while the timeless wisdom of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam reveals why voluntary simplicity has always been the yogi’s path to deeper vision. Key Highlights * Franklin’s insight: wealth often ends up possessing us. * How wealth dulls empathy and blinds spiritual sight. * Nārada’s corrective...
2025-09-021h 00
Wisdom of the SagesKrishna: Unlimited Brahman or Adorable Baby? A Paradox at the Heart of VedāntaThis episode dives into one of Vedānta’s deepest paradoxes: how the all-pervading, unlimited Brahman appears as a child and is bound by a rope. With reflections from physicist Niels Bohr and insights from the Bhāgavatam, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how truth, when probed deeply, transcends logic—and how love alone can bind the infinite. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.9.15-23 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN O...
2025-08-2756 min
Wisdom of the SagesBhakti Means Love, and Love Overpowers AllThe Supreme Truth—eternal, formless yet personal, beyond time and space—gets tied up with a rope. In this rich and revealing episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how love alone—not ritual, renunciation, or knowledge—can bind the Absolute. Featuring insights from Jesuit mysticism, Krishna’s childhood pastimes, and a few insects with questionable IQs. 🌀 Topics include: * Why the most advanced yogis can’t catch what a mother’s love can * Love as the ultimate conclusion of Vedanta * Mascara, butter theft, and the metaphysics of kajal * Damodara-līlā and the yoga of divine intimacy 🎧 T...
2025-08-2657 min
Wisdom of the SagesReclaim Your Inner World: The Meditation of the Bhakti YogisIn a world that floods the mind with distraction and noise, Bhakti Yoga teaches a sacred alternative: reclaim the inner world through smarana—the practice of intentional, emotionally infused remembrance. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how what we think about—over and over again—shapes who we become. Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita, the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, and a quote from self-help pioneer Earl Nightingale, they examine how the bhakti tradition trains the mind through focused repetition and deep feeling. With reflections on Mother Yaśodā’s love for Krishna, and the esoteric path of Rāgānuga B...
2025-08-2553 min
Wisdom of the SagesIs Krishna Immoral? Rumi, Krishna, & the Field Beyond Right & WrongRumi spoke of a field beyond right and wrong — and in Krishna’s playful pastimes we discover how breaking the rules can reveal the highest good. How can Krishna, the Supreme Good, also be a thief, a liar, a womanizer, and even a killer? Drawing on Rumi’s mystical poetry and the Upanishadic vision of fullness, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how Krishna’s so-called immorality reveals truths that transcend all dualities. Join us as we uncover the paradox of divinity, where Krishna’s playful rascality leads us to the soul’s true resting place: beyond the world’s...
2025-08-1858 min
Wisdom of the SagesBeyond Spiritual Complexity: The Simplicity of Divine LoveIn this intriguing and often hilarious episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a natural pattern in life and spirituality: moving from simplicity to complexity, and then back again. On the spiritual journey, we may wrestle with perplexing questions: Who am I? Is there God? Is the world real? Is it all an illusion? We speak of “the sound of one hand clapping” or “being here now,” and sometimes it can feel as if spiritual guides are muddying the waters just to make them seem deep. But it’s possible to emerge on the other side of these tang...
2025-08-1456 min
Wisdom of the SagesAll Those Pieces Will Never Make You WholeFrom ancient yoga texts to modern science, many agree: reality is whole — but our minds chop it into fragments. Feeling incomplete, we try to patch ourselves together with external “pieces” — the right spouse, the perfect home, children, financial security, status. But those fragments never deliver true wholeness. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the illusion of fragmentation and turn to the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, where Nanda Mahārāja welcomes the sage Garga and recognizes a deeper kind of fullness in him — one that can’t be bought, lost, or taken away. Srimad Bhagavatam 10.8.1-9 ...
2025-08-131h 00
Wisdom of the SagesKrishna Miracles Meet Quantum Physics — Breaking Reality’s RulesReality is stranger than we think, and this episode may rewire how you think about what’s possible. Raghunath and Kaustubha draw surprising connections between groundbreaking discoveries in quantum physics and the apparently impossible events described in ancient yoga texts like the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Blaise Pascal’s “infinite sphere” meets Mother Yaśodā’s jaw-dropping vision of the entire universe in little Krishna’s mouth — and even the science of quantum superposition and entanglement finds its place in the conversation. The takeaway? The laws of physics you learned in school might only apply to a tiny corner of reality.
2025-08-1259 min
Wisdom of the SagesThe Quiet Power of Integrity in Spiritual LifeRaghunath and Kaustubha explore a bold truth drawn from the bhakti-yoga tradition and Ralph Waldo Emerson: that real spiritual power isn’t loud—it’s earned quietly through honesty, humility, and freedom from envy. They discuss how small, virtuous choices—especially when no one is watching—build a subtle force that gives one’s words and presence lasting impact. The episode flows from reflections on Vedic brāhmaṇas to personal stories of ethical tension, spiritual parenting, and learning to let go with grace. It’s about becoming powerful not by dominating others—but by mastering oneself. Srimad Bhagav...
2025-08-0854 min
Wisdom of the SagesWhy Real Change Is So Hard (Even on a Spiritual Path)Even on paths designed for deep transformation, we often resist the very changes that would liberate us. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the symbolic meaning of the cart demon (Śakaṭāsura) from Krishna’s pastimes—and how it represents the dead weight we carry in the form of outdated beliefs, mechanical rituals, and spiritual pride. Drawing on insights from Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they challenge us to ask: are we actually changing, or just performing? If you’ve ever felt like you’re dragging around a cart full of spiritual dead weight, this...
2025-08-0756 min
Wisdom of the SagesDaddy Issues on a Cosmic Scale? Bhakti’s Answer to Atheism & ImpersonalismIf your view of God is stuck in an outdated mold—cold, distant, or ready to punish—you might be long overdue for an upgrade. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how Krishna’s extraordinary affection cuts through both atheistic cynicism and impersonal detachment, replacing them with a vision of divine love. Through the story of Krishna and Pūtana, discover a God who blesses even those who try to harm Him, a spiritual path that goes beyond wave-less liberation into the ocean of bliss, and why adding Krishna to life transforms every season—good or bad. 🎧 Tune in now...
2025-08-061h 05
Wisdom of the SagesOvercoming the Fear of a Personal GodBeneath all our spiritual searching may lie a hidden fear: the fear of the personal Divine. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how that fear hardens one’s hearts—limiting one to the impersonal paths of liberation that feel safe but ultimately empty. Through the texts like the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, we uncover how vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the doorway to the deepest yoga, where love becomes real and the Supreme reveals His infinitely sweet, personal nature. Key Highlights: * “To love is to be vulnerable… and only in risk can we overcome darkn...
2025-08-0356 min
Wisdom of the SagesRituals, Mantras & Love: The Healthiest Patterns for Human LifeModern science meets bhakti wisdom: after 75 years of research, Harvard scientists concluded that good relationships—not wealth, fame, or even cholesterol—are the strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss how the bhakti tradition is built on the understanding that life is meant to soften our hearts and train us to live harmoniously with God and every living being. They contrast this meaningful, purpose-driven worldview with the atheist perspective that sees life as random and purposeless—and reveal how bhakti offers a far richer vision of why we’re here, how we g...
2025-07-291h 03
Wisdom of the SagesFake Gurus, Real Danger: The Line Between a Guide and a Manipulator“There are more fake gurus and false teachers in this world than the number of stars in the visible universe.” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the subtle difference between a true spiritual guide and a manipulative pretender. Drawing from Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love and Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura’s insights on the Putana story from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they unpack how pseudo-gurus present themselves as nourishing but actually poison the soul. Topics Include: – The guru as a transparent medium for divine light – Signs of manipulation vs. signs of true guidance
2025-07-2455 min
Wisdom of the SagesWhat Loneliness Is Trying to Teach Us (If We Dare to Listen)When everything you cling to — your children, your partner, your dreams — slips through your fingers, what are you left with? Raghunath and Kaustubha dive into George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass, the wisdom of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, and their own stories to explore why loneliness and loss may hold the key to our deepest connection. From Beatles breakups and bittersweet summers to cowherd wisdom and comic book collectibles, they reflect on how impermanence — revealed by time and destiny — can feel devastating but is actually a sacred opportunity to turn within. 🎧 Listen now and join thousan...
2025-07-2354 min
Wisdom of the SagesFinding Your Center: Why Life Feels Off‑Key & How to Tune ItThe cosmos whispers a message: when life revolves around a center, harmony follows. When it doesn’t, we feel the dissonance. But are we listening? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how the universe models harmony for us — through stars, through music, through the very structure of nature — showing that life works best when it revolves around a center. They discuss the tonal center of a musical composition — that gravitational point every musician tunes to — and how even one out‑of‑tune string creates unease. Is the dissonance we feel simply because we’ve lost touch with...
2025-07-2255 min
Wisdom of the SagesInner Peace: Why the World Needs You to Go WithinWhy do we resist turning inward — and what does it cost us? In this spirited episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha confront the uncomfortable truth: that we each have a choice to make — either we discover our true self, or we don’t. And if we don’t, we risk living an empty life and perpetuating cycles of conflict and injustice. Drawing from the words of Henry David Thoreau, the insights of Black Elk, and the timeless teachings of Bhakti Yoga, they unpack how society’s “conveyor belt” keeps us distracted, how desires and fears cloud ou...
2025-07-2154 min
Wisdom of the SagesThe Universal Temple: Cutting Ego & Seeing Krishna EverywhereKahlil Gibran meets the Bhakti Yoga tradition in this sharp and spirited episode of Wisdom of the Sages. Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how real spiritual practice is carried from the temple into every corner of your life — where daily routines, relationships, and even messy moments become sacred offerings. From Saratoga’s healing springs to Krishna’s father giving away two million cows, this episode uncovers the deeper meaning of ritual, how devotion purifies the mind, and how love transforms the way we see the world. Highlights include: * Khalil Gibran’s line: “Your daily life is your te...
2025-07-1857 min
Wisdom of the SagesSquirrels Without Borders: Chasing Values, Not HappinessIn this wildly entertaining episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha return from their whirlwind retreat and European adventure to tackle what really brings happiness and success—and why chasing them is a losing game. With a healthy dose of humor and wisdom (and a few “squirrel-level-three” tangents), they explore Victor Frankl’s profound insight: that fulfillment comes not by pursuing it directly, but by dedicating yourself to something higher. From “getting chieft” in Italy to a Krishna miracle in Bosnia to the cows, sages, and values that uphold a spiritual civilization, this episode is packed with...
2025-07-1754 min
Wisdom of the SagesSlip Slidin’ Away: Why Wisdom Fades Without CouragePaul Simon’s bittersweet lyrics set the stage for this raw and funny exploration of why even life-changing insights often slip through our fingers. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the slippery nature of spiritual determination — and how each of us can make the simple but bold choice to live a meaningful life before the clock runs out. This episode blends music, humor, and timeless wisdom from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Highlights include: • What Paul Simon teaches us about missing our moment • How Kamsa fell back into old ways after glimpsing wisdom — and why we do too • Why meaning...
2025-07-1054 min
Wisdom of the SagesWe’re All in Samsara: The Truth Hiding in Plain SightThe most obvious and pervasive realities are often the hardest to see. Like fish who don’t realize they’re swimming in water, we move through samsara — the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth — unaware of the forces shaping us. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the illusion that my experience is the most real, vivid, and important, and explore how yoga wisdom teaches us to zoom out, recognize our connection to the whole, and break free from self-centered existence. Drawing on David Foster Wallace’s “default setting,” the story of the fish and the water, and...
2025-07-081h 02
Wisdom of the SagesWhen Karma Meets Dharma: Contradictions of Destiny & Duty | Q&A Vol. 283When Karma Meets Dharma: Contradictions of Destiny and Duty Do the choices you made in your past life shape the family, friends, and circumstances you’re born into? And how do bhakti-yogis navigate a path of dharma that sometimes seems to contradict itself — demanding sacrifice, mercy, or even revenge — all in the name of love? In this live Q&A from Tuscany, Raghunath and Kaustubha tackle two profound questions: how to take radical responsibility (karma) and how to recognize the right course of action when dharma appears to point in conflicting directions. From choosi...
2025-07-051h 05
Wisdom of the SagesTime is Gonna Kill You, but Eternity is Just a Mantra AwayTime doesn’t just pass—it devours. In this raw and thought-provoking episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack a powerful moment from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, where the tyrant Kaṁsa wakes in dread, realizing that Time itself—the force that ends all things—has come for him. With lyrical insights from Pink Floyd, unexpected depth from the Insane Clown Posse, and timeless wisdom from ancient India, they explore what it means to live with urgency, die with clarity, and access the eternal—right now. Key Takeaways: • “The sun is the same in a relative way—but you’re...
2025-06-2759 min
Wisdom of the SagesKrishna’s First Words Reveal the Missing Ingredient in Spiritual PracticeIn one of the most powerful moments of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, Krishna speaks for the first time—and what He says sheds light on the real aim of yoga, austerity, and spiritual discipline. Raghunath and Kaustubha, joined by Radhanath Swami in the studio, unpack this pivotal teaching: that it’s not the practice alone that transforms us, but the devotion that infuses it. Without bhakti, even the most intense austerity leaves us spiritually unfulfilled. With it, every action becomes divine. Tune in for deep insights into Krishna’s words, reflections on a moving initiatio...
2025-06-2757 min
Wisdom of the SagesAusterity + Purpose = Growth: A Yogi’s Formula for Rebooting the MindCould the computer of your mind be full of corrupted files? In this fiery and hilarious episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how ancient yogic wisdom offers a practical system for mental clarity and inner growth. Drawing from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and everyday insight, they explain how tapasya (austerity), prāṇāyāma (breath control), and the guidance of a guru work like an antivirus program to restore your true nature. You’ll hear about the dangers of comfort addiction, why meaninglessness thrives in a pleasure-soaked culture, and how purpose + austerity = real growth. And check out the Ma...
2025-06-2559 min
Wisdom of the SagesLove Hurts & That’s the Point: Bhakti, Vulnerability & Risk on the Spiritual PathIf you want to keep your heart safe, you must give it to no one—but it’ll cost you life’s deepest fulfillment. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how Bhakti Vedanta reveals vulnerability not as weakness, but as the key to spiritual growth and the soul’s highest potential. They reflect on a striking quote from C.S. Lewis and discuss how the fear of emotional exposure drives many toward impersonalism, while the path of Bhakti embraces risk as sacred. Real love always carries the risk of pain—but in the fulfillment of Bhakti, that pain...
2025-06-2459 min
Wisdom of the SagesLet It Be, It Ain’t Me: Hendrix, Vedanta & The Fog of WarWhen the world shakes, can you stay anchored? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how deep spiritual clarity allows one to remain peaceful—even when chaos reigns. Inspired by a lyric from Jimi Hendrix, they explore lessons from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the film The Fog of War to reveal how fear collapses when we root our peace in truth. It’s not apathy—it’s clarity. It’s not withdrawal—it’s preparation for wise engagement. Tune in for stories, insights, and unexpected humor on the path to unshakable peace. SB...
2025-06-2355 min
Wisdom of the SagesScientists Failed to Find Consciousness—The Yogis Never Lost ItA neuroscientist lost a 25-year bet to a philosopher—and it may be one of the most revealing failures in modern science. In 1998, Christof Koch bet David Chalmers that within 25 years, neuroscience would identify the precise brain mechanisms responsible for consciousness. Research teams around the world launched ambitious experiments to track and measure conscious experience in the brain. The deadline came—and the mystery remained. In this fascinating episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the implications of that failed wager. Why can’t the most advanced minds in science explain subjective experience? And what did the ancient yogis know t...
2025-06-2057 min
Wisdom of the SagesBreaking the Universal Code: What the Yogis Found WithinJust like a codebreaker working through symbols can gradually uncover a single unifying truth—a key that makes sense of everything—the spiritual journey can unfold in a similar way. Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how a path of trust, focused attention, and turning inward can reveal a deeper coherence beneath life’s confusion. What at first feels chaotic and fragmented—like an unbreakable code—can suddenly click into place when one discovers the truth that pervades it all. The great yogis found that key in the knowledge of Vishnu—the all-pervading presence within and behind everything...
2025-06-1955 min
Wisdom of the Sages1628: The Mind Is the Altar: Mental Worship, Bhakti Yoga & Inner TransformationWhat matters most in yoga isn’t the ritual—it’s the transformation of the mind and heart. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the practice of manasa pūjā (mental worship) through the story of Vasudeva mentally offering charity while imprisoned. They unpack why internal devotion is not only valid—but often more powerful than external performance. Whether you’re on a yoga mat or stuck in traffic, your inner world is where the real yoga happens. 🎯 Takeaways: • Why the mind is the true altar in bhakti yoga • How to avoid spiritual burnout by going be...
2025-06-1859 min
Wisdom of the SagesGeorge Harrison Knew It: We're All Looking for KrishnaPop culture meets divine consciousness in this episode exploring the birth of Krishna—and what it means to be lit up with bhakti. Raghunath and Kaustubha reflect on George Harrison’s powerful spiritual insight: “Everyone is looking for Krishna… some don’t know it, but they are.” With humor, depth, and wisdom, they unpack why Krishna appears not just anywhere, but in the heart aligned with devotion—and how we can open that space within ourselves. 🎯 Highlights include: • George Harrison’s mystical role in publishing the Krishna Book • The “God-shaped hole” everyone’s trying to fill • Becoming perm...
2025-06-1756 min
Wisdom of the SagesWisdom Blockers: Why Some Spiritual Truths Stay Out of ReachSome truths hit you like a lightning bolt. Others hover like clouds for years—until something cracks your heart open and lets the rain in. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the invisible barriers that keep spiritual truths from fully landing—the wisdom blockers that arise from fear, ego, or unresolved resistance. They unpack how knowledge matures through humility, devotion, association—and a willingness to get emotionally honest. Drawing from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and reflections on Henry Ward Beecher’s insight, the conversation reveals how real wisdom requires more than intellect—it requires openness of heart. Bha...
2025-06-1359 min
Wisdom of the SagesSatyam: Recognizing Truth in a World of SpinIn a world of shifting narratives and temporary identities, even the most intelligent minds can struggle to find what’s truly real. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha turn to the timeless wisdom of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam to explore Satyam Param—the highest truth beyond all illusion. From the prayers of the demigods to the nature of the soul and Super Soul, they examine how truth isn’t just debated or believed—it’s lived, embodied, and revealed through character. Key themes include: • The prayers of the devas and the nature of eternal truth
2025-06-1155 min
Wisdom of the SagesHeart-to-Heart Transmission: Spirituality Beyond the ExternalsHow does one truly enter a spiritual path—beyond the ritual and formality? It’s not about externals—it’s about what’s alive in the heart. In this eye-opening episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the deeper dimensions of spiritual life, focusing especially on the heart-to-heart transmission of spiritual knowledge, realization, and conviction. Through the lens of Krishna’s miraculous appearance in the womb of Devakī—and some fascinating Bhaktivedanta commentaries—they unpack the true meaning of initiation on the bhakti path: not as a mere ceremony, but as the sacred connection when divine consciousness is awakened in the heart of a...
2025-06-1055 min
Wisdom of the SagesBeauty, Longing & the Sigh of Spiritual AwakeningSpiritual awakening may feel more like a sigh than a celebration. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore why our most profound encounters with beauty—whether through art, music, or moments of stillness—are often blended with a kind of sweet ache or longing. Could that aching sensation be a clue? A sign that the soul is remembering something sacred? Through the lens of bhakti yoga, they unpack the idea of Viśvātmā—God as the soul of the universe—and how real connection is not found through constant searching outward, but by turning within. Key Highlights...
2025-06-0957 min
Wisdom of the SagesThe Sex Episode: Yoga Wisdom Meets Real-Life Hormones | Q & A Vol. 281In this hilarious and revealing Q & A, Raghunath and Kaustubha tackle one of life’s most powerful forces—sexual desire—with honesty, insight, and bhakti-based wisdom. It’s a down-to-earth exploration of how the yogic tradition views it, and lays out a yogic framework for navigating desire without losing your mind (or your integrity). Highlights include: • 4 responses to desire: indulge, repress, ignore, or resolve • The monk’s 8-fold path of NOT having sex • How rāsa-līlā becomes a tool for inner purification • Why spiritual life doesn’t mean becoming rigid or resentful • What it takes to truly redirect...
2025-06-071h 00
Wisdom of the SagesDevotion Follows Destruction-- Evolution and the Death of Our Lower NatureWith their signature blend of humor and clarity, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack a timeless spiritual principle: real transformation always involves a kind of death—of ego, comfort, or illusion. Drawing from the allegory of Krishna’s birth following the death of His six brothers, they explore how the destruction of our lower nature clears the way for divine consciousness to take birth in a purified mind and heart. Key themes include: • The cosmic law that death precedes rebirth • The symbolism of Devakī’s six sons • How ego resists—but ultimately must yield to—divine consciousness • Self-su...
2025-06-0657 min
Wisdom of the SagesIdentity Politics, Self-Esteem Battles & the Spiritual SolutionModern society is in the midst of an identity crisis. From gender and race to body image and social status, we’re defining, defending, and dividing ourselves by external labels. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how ancient yogic wisdom provides a powerful alternative: knowledge of the self. Through discussion, humor, and insights from the bhakti-yoga tration, they unpack how we can stop tiptoeing around fragile identities and live from the truth of who we really are. Key Themes: • Carl Jung’s insight on identity and self-definition • How real kindness comes from seeing through lab...
2025-06-0556 min
Wisdom of the SagesYour Thoughts Are Drafting the Blueprints for Your Next BodyWhat if your thoughts today are already shaping your next body? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the deep yogic teaching that the subtle precedes the gross—your desires, thoughts, and habits now are laying the foundation for your future form. Drawing from ancient texts, dream metaphors, and even a few punk-rock detours through Texas, this episode sheds light on how our inner life drives our destiny—and why Krishna is the ultimate object of meditation. New episodes daily. Subscribe and join the global Bhakti journey SB 10.1.41-43 *********************************************************************
2025-06-0456 min
Wisdom of the SagesYou’re Not That Voice in Your Head: Ancient Yogic Wisdom for Self-RealizationAt any moment, we can initiate a higher level of consciousness—simply by observing the mind instead of identifying with it. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the Bhagavatam’s opening to the Tenth Canto, where Vasudeva speaks timeless yogic truth: you are not the body, not the mind—you are something divine. A modern spiritual insight meets ancient Vedic wisdom—and yes, there’s even a Raghunath senior discount incident that makes the point unforgettable. SB 10.1.26-40 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO...
2025-06-0354 min
Wisdom of the SagesFull-Hearted Bhakti: Vivid, Personal Krishna Devotion | Q & A Vol. 280From epic failures and ego clashes to tender moments of empowerment and encouragement, Raghunath and Kaustubha open up about what they love most about Krishna Bhakti—and how it transforms even the most ordinary day into an offering of beauty, meaning, and joy. In this candid Q & A episode, you’ll hear stories of spiritual growth, forgiveness, and the joy that comes from living with a fully invested heart. Highlights include: • Black-and-white Vedanta vs. full-color Bhakti • One humbling breakfast invitation, one roasted ego, and a lot of growth • Gossip vs. grace: a Bhakti PSA on spiritual etiquette • Parking lot kirtans and singing pa...
2025-06-011h 01
Wisdom of the SagesMyth or Reality: The Misunderstood Tech of the YogisCould ancient yogis have tapped into a science we still don’t understand? Mystical experiences—like hearing divine messages within the heart—may sound like fantasy today, but 300 years ago a FaceTime call would’ve seemed like wizardry. Arthur C. Clarke famously said, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how imagination and humility may be the keys to rediscovering spiritual truths often mistaken for myth. Highlights include: • Why Einstein called imagination more important than knowledge • Yoga maya vs. Maha maya: illusion that either binds or liberates • Wh...
2025-05-3054 min
Wisdom of the SagesCosmic Vision, Parental Panic & the Purusha Sukta MantrasRaghunath and Kaustubha explore the need to shift perspective shared in Srimad Bhagavatam. Seeking to relieve the suffering of Mother Earth, the gods and goddesses gather for an epic moment of clarity—chanting the Purusha Sukta hymn of the Vedas. What follows is a brilliant meditation on zooming out of our small dramas and plugging into the greater cosmic intelligence behind it all. Raghunath shares a story of fatherly panic as his daughter falls ill across the ocean, while Kaustubha unpacks the deeper meaning of the universe as a unified being—rooted in the divine Purusha. Carl Sagan makes a guest...
2025-05-2953 min
Wisdom of the SagesStruggling with Expectations & Self-Worth: Bhakti Yoga Insights | Q & A Vol. 277When your spiritual ideals meet your messy, modern life—what gives? In this live Q & A episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha tackle real-world questions from sincere seekers navigating work, relationships, insecurity, and the struggle for spiritual progress. With wisdom, clarity, and plenty of humor, they explore how Bhakti yoga applies when the employees let you down, the self-doubt runs deep, and the to-do list feels longer than the Ganges. Key Highlights: • My contract with my employee vs my contract with the Universe • Can Bhakti heal your emotional wounds—or is that your therapist’s job? • “I’m not the Spiller!”—Raghuna...
2025-05-2558 min
Wisdom of the SagesSurrender, Purpose, Love: Bhakti Answers the Big Questions | Q & A Vol. 276Raghunath and Kaustubha tackle powerful questions about surrender, purpose, and love in this live Q&A from Super Soul Farm—offering timeless bhakti wisdom on the struggles modern seekers face. What does surrender really look like in practice? How do you discover your dharma without drowning in options? Can you strive for spontaneous love of God without ruining its spontaneity? This episode brings clarity to the most misunderstood teachings of bhakti, grounding them in the lived experience of devotion. No platitudes—just real talk, deep insights, and a spiritual path that meets you where you are. Ke...
2025-05-241h 00
Wisdom of the SagesThe Guru as a Transparent Via Medium: Reclaiming Sacred ConnectionOne of the most sacred dynamics in all of yoga culture - the relationship between teacher and student—has become both feared and misunderstood as it’s been transferred from India to the West. In this potent episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how spiritual truth flows not from information alone, but from affection, humility, and mutual sincerity. What unfolds is a spirited, honest, and occasionally hilarious exploration of how and why the guru-disciple model endures—even in an age where trust is hard to come by and everyone’s got an “enlightenment moment” in their Instagram bio. Key Highligh...
2025-05-2355 min
Wisdom of the SagesAsk Better Questions, Break the Cycle of SamsaraThere’s a big difference between asking, “How can I change this?” and asking, “What am I meant to learn from this?” In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how asking bigger, zoomed-out questions can unlock real transformation—and how Krishna’s pastimes, far from being mere spiritual folklore, offer the deepest answers to the soul’s most urgent needs. They discuss how these pastimes are meant to be approached not just through a religious lens, but through an ontological, metaphysical, and Vedantic one—and that’s when their true power is revealed. Key Highlights: • How shallow questions keep...
2025-05-2256 min
Wisdom of the SagesBeyond Myth: Krishna's Pastimes, Life's Ultimate MeditationBefore there were influencers, there was the sage Vyāsa—the original content creator. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha stand at the threshold of Vyāsa’s ultimate contribution: the telling of Krishna’s pastimes in the Tenth Canto of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. But before Krishna enters the stage, they explore what makes these narratives far more than mythology. These aren’t just quaint stories or cultural folklore—they’re the ultimate object of awareness - living streams of divine sound, expertly composed to reprogram the mind, dissolve the thirst for material life and satisfy the innner self.
2025-05-2058 min
Wisdom of the SagesShining Light on the Shadows Within: Carl Jung Meets the Wisdom of BhaktiMisunderstood warriors, falsely accused maidens, hardhearted mystic yogis, remorseful sages, sex-addicted kings— The stories of the Ninth Canto of the Bhāgavatam reflect not just historical characters, but the shadows we all carry within. At the cusp of entering the climactic Tenth Canto, Raghunath and Kaustubha review the string of stories leading up to it. With a little help from Carl Jung, they unpack a core principle often echoed in the bhakti tradition: while the path is centered on divine light, the great bhakti-yogis never ignored the shadows in their own hearts. 🌀 Key Highlights: • ...
2025-05-1952 min
Wisdom of the SagesDarkness, Evil & Satan: A Bhakti Yoga Perspective / Q & A Volume 275What is Evil? Different tradition have different ideas. In this compelling Q & A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how the Bhakti tradition understands darkness, Satan, and the concept of evil. Is it a cosmic force? A personal being? Or simply the absence of divine light? Other questions include how to navigate workplace obligations at bars while maintaining spiritual sobriety, and what pure devotional service looks like in today’s world. Key Highlights: • Evil explained Bhakti-style: darkness isn’t a rival force—it’s what happens when we turn away from the light
2025-05-1857 min
Wisdom of the SagesFeed the Dogs, Love the World: Bhakti Yoga’s Expanding Circle of CompassionIndian hospitality, the soft heart of a mother, and the Dog-Man of Tompkins Square Park all intersect in this powerful exploration of yoga. Drawing from the Maha Upanishad and the insight of Albert Schweitzer, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack a central bhakti truth: that genuine love of God expresses itself as compassion for all living beings—not just the ones who vote like you, think like you, or smell like you. At the heart of this episode is the unforgettable tale of King Rantideva from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam—a king whose radical acts of generosity and deep sp...
2025-05-1655 min
Wisdom of the SagesWhere Your Mind Goes, You Go: Bhakti Yoga, Thought Power & the Inner AlgorithmYour mind is like an algorithm. Click on lust, fear, or resentment—and guess what shows up on your mental feed? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore Yoga is a way to reset the algorithm, and explore the mind as both a garden and a walled city with guarded gates. Drawing from James Allen’s classic As a Man Thinketh and the final verses of King Yayāti’s transformation in the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they unpack how thought is causal, attention is destiny, and bhakti is the ultimate reprogramming of the heart. 🔑 Ke...
2025-05-1558 min
Wisdom of the Sages1600: The Anatomy of Spiritual Awakening: Letting Go Before We Lose ItFrom Vedic kings to aging rock stars, this episode maps the journey from pleasure to emptiness to liberation. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack why letting go of material desire—before the body gives out—is the key to spiritual freedom. Featuring: • King Yayāti, Lord Brahmā, Stephen Hawking, Billy Idol & David Lee Roth • Addiction psychology meets Vedic wisdom • Why renunciation is the real glow-up • How material sex desire is a pale reflection of Krishna’s divine love 🎧 Listen now and wake up before it’s too late. 🌱 Subscribe for daily doses of ancient wisdom made practical.
2025-05-1456 min
Wisdom of the SagesExiting the Path of Emptiness: A Bhakti Yoga Take on Desire & LiberationAncient yoga texts call it sama-darshana—equal vision. It’s the ability to see the soul in every being, regardless of their body, background, or even behavior. And according to the sages, it’s not just a lofty idea—it’s the very foundation of a life well-lived. Here’s the twist: it’s not just the moral thing to do—it’s the key to happiness, peace of mind, and, ultimately, a graceful exit from this world. In contrast, the pursuit of material fulfillment becomes a path of emptiness. Listen in as Raghunath and Kaustubha reflect...
2025-05-1355 min
Wisdom of the SagesSeeing the Unseen: Yoga's Call to Look DeeperPolitics shift, bodies age, relationships break—we see the surface, the temporary illusion. Yogis look deeper to see the eternal reality behind it all. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how sacred texts—the Bhagavad Gītā, Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, the Rig Veda, and the New Testament—urge us to fix our vision on the eternal. From pearls resting on a hidden thread to the saints’ constant gaze toward the divine, these traditions all point to the same truth: what’s real can’t always be seen with the eyes - so look deeper though the eyes of knowl...
2025-05-1257 min
Wisdom of the SagesLoss. Confusion. Melancholy. Then Freedom. | Q&A Volume 274With humor, vulnerability, and sharp philosophical insight, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack the gritty reality of spiritual growth: that it sometimes begins with a period of loss, confusion, or even melancholy—but on the other side is joy, clarity, and freedom. This Q & A episode tackles big, relatable questions from listeners on the spiritual path: • How do I live a life of dharma—seeing the good in everyone—without letting people take advantage of me or drain my energy? • How do I practice detachment without becoming emotionally distant from the people I love? • Does devotion to Krishna mean not...
2025-05-1059 min
Wisdom of the SagesDesire, Folly, Regret & Ultimately....TransformationRaghunath and Kaustubha dive into the comical yet piercingly honest downfall of King Yayāti and explore how the ancient Vedic culture didn’t just shame desire—it organized it, regulated it, and ultimately helped one transcended it. Drawing from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, we uncover how real evolution begins not by denying our lower nature, but by accepting the guidance of wisdom tradition that helps us see through it. Key Highlights: • Why the world makes you foolish when you chase desire The brilliance of varṇāśrama: not a box, but a ladder Why trying to be Krishn...
2025-05-0953 min
Wisdom of the SagesPuranic Mean Girls & Pascal's Take on Our Inner EmptinessGatorade-stained beard? Check. All-night emergency room visit? Check. Spiritual wake-up call in aisle 12? Double check. But behind Raghunath’s dizzy spell and collapse on the floor of Home Depot lies a far more universal theme: our desperate urge to avoid silence, stillness, and the terrifying weight of our own inner emptiness. Drawing from Blaise Pascal’s haunting insight—that “all of humanity’s problems stem from man’s inability to sit quietly in a room alone”—Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how distraction and diversion keep us from doing the inner work that leads to peace, purpose, and awakening.
2025-05-081h 00
Wisdom of the SagesReflections, Shadows & Illusions of LoveWhen something looks so promising—so beautiful, so exciting—you think, this has to be it… but in the end, it leaves you empty. That’s what it means to live in the shadows - the imitations we chase: reflections that mimic the real thing, but have no substance. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha conclude the wild and painfully relatable story of King Purūravā and Urvaśī from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, and share a bit about their own heartbreaks too. From noble warrior to emotional wreck, Purūravā’s obsession leads him to whimper before godd...
2025-05-061h 00
Wisdom of the SagesDesire & Despair: A Vedic Case Study in HeartbreakWhen the object of our desire becomes the center of our universe, and our dignity becomes the cost of the chase. In this brutally honest and strangely hilarious episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha dissect the story of King Pururava and Urvashi—a psychological case study from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam that shows what happens when infatuation clouds the intelligence and the fantasy of love eclipses reality. Key Highlights: • “Desire is never far from despair” • When romance becomes a shortcut to self-worth, things get weird… fast. • Toxic masculinity? For sure. But let’s talk toxic femininity too. • T...
2025-05-0559 min
Wisdom of the SagesSomething Has to Die Inside: Threshold Sorrow in Bhakti YogaNot all sorrow is a step backwards—sometimes, it’s the signal that real growth has begun. In this powerful Q & A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha dive deep into what one listener calls “the sorrow of losing joy in the material world.” What unfolds is a raw, insightful conversation on threshold sorrow—the strange pain of shedding old pleasures that no longer satisfy, and crossing into the unknown terrain of spiritual depth. 🎧 All Questions Answered in this Episode: • Is it normal to feel sadness when losing taste for material pleasures? • How to understand sattva gu...
2025-05-0359 min
Wisdom of the SagesWhat's Good? What's Bad? (And How Our Minds are Lying to Us)Prince Hamlet collides with Śrīmad Bhāgavatam in this mind-bending episode on the illusion of “good and bad.” Raghunath and Kaustubha explore Bhakti Yoga, mental programming, and the transformative power of staying steady amid life’s chaos. They unpack a verse that flips the spiritual script: liberation doesn’t require a cave—it requires clarity. With vegan cheesecake hangovers, Tom Sawyer tricks, and a dose of Shakespearean angst, this episode reveals how kings lived as yogis—and how your own messy, modern life can become sacred ground for spiritual evolution. Key Highlights: • “There is nothing either good or bad, but...
2025-05-0255 min
Wisdom of the SagesDark Corners of Our Cities, Dark Corners of Our MindsThis episode blends sacred aesthetics, urban design, dharmic leadership, and bhakti wisdom into one compelling conversation. A perfect listen for seekers, city dwellers, and anyone wondering why the world feels off—and how to realign it. Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a luminous vision of divine-centered living from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam—where elephants spray perfume, love flows between citizens and leaders, and the architecture reflects a sacred inner life. But this isn’t just some mythic utopia. It’s a blueprint. Key Highlights: * Simone Weil’s insight: “To be rooted is perhaps the most important...
2025-05-0153 min
Wisdom of the SagesNo Hostility in the Heart of a Yogi: It’s a Deal BreakerResentment isn’t just a feeling—it’s a spiritual disease? In this power-packed episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha discuss one of Bhakti-yoga’s most liberating teachings: the more we hear about the life and character of Lord Rāma, the more the disease of envy is cleansed from our hearts. This is a real look at the subtle ways hostility creeps into even spiritual communities… and how to root it out before it festers into full-blown inner plague. Key Highlights: * “No hostility in the heart of a yogi”—what this really means and why it’s non-negotiable
2025-04-3057 min
Wisdom of the SagesDivine Play: The Cosmic Purpose We’re Meant to RememberIn our existence in this world, we carry the burdens of duty, judgment, and anger—and then we project them onto God. But reality? He’s just playing His flute, dancing, and inviting us back into a life of divine play (lila). In today’s Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha reveal a revolutionary truth rooted in the Upanishads, the Vedānta Sūtra, and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam: the Absolute Truth isn’t weighed down by judgment or duty—the Absolute’s only “business” is joyful līlā, or divine play. So why all the suffering and confl...
2025-04-2959 min
Wisdom of the SagesYou Don’t Complete Me: Bhakti Insight on Love & Break-upIt’s said that in the absolute reality, there are varieties of feeling—but all of them are of the same quality of transcendental bliss. How can what looks like heartbreak actually be an entry to the deepest spiritual joy? In today’s episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha examine the profound teachings behind Lord Ram’s separation from Sita, explore why material “love” is often the cause of fear, and reveal how the illusory love relationships of this world can be aligned with the spiritual reality. Forget the Hollywood endings—the Vedic sages offer a powerful upgrade in understanding the ways of love.
2025-04-2852 min
Wisdom of the SagesSpiritual Insight vs Political Bias | Q&A Volume 272Are we interpreting politics through the lens of spiritual teachings - or are we interpreting spiritual teachings through the lens of our politics? How to respond when personal political opinions get imposed upon the spiritual discussions the we go to for enlightenment? In this dynamic Q&A episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha respond to pressing questions about navigating touchy topics in bhakti communities. They unpack the real meaning of seva when service feels more like a chore list, and dive into a fascinating discussion on the parallels between the Vedic Paramatma and the Christian Holy G...
2025-04-2655 min
Wisdom of the SagesDoes the Hunger for Power Disqualify One From Holding It?What does it means to lead without ego, serve without exploitation, and rule with spiritual detachment? In this episode of Wisdom of the Sages, Raghunath and Kaustubha dive into the extraordinary standard set by Lord Ramachandra, whose rule began not with conquest but with renunciation. The conversation also takes a deeper look at the controversial episode of Sita’s banishment though the eyes of the sages (as opposed to the lens of ones’s own painful divorce). When seen with spiritual clarity, the pain of separation transforms into an expression of divine love, where Ram and Sita’s appare...
2025-04-2555 min
Wisdom of the SagesCan You Really Clean a River with a Polluted Mind?Think a better system will fix everything? In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha encourage us to think again by exploring the idea that until we transform the mind and purify the heart, no political structure will truly work. We chase reforms, write new laws, and elect new leaders, but if we’re not addressing the root within, the same problems resurface. Different system, same chaos. Drawing wisdom from Plato, Bhaktivedanta Swami, and Radhanath Swami, we explore how inner clarity is the foundation of any truly functional society. Also: what does Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya—and his eve...
2025-04-2449 min
Wisdom of the SagesRethinking Empowerment: Yoga Wisdom on Commitment vs. IndependenceHave you ever wondered whether the modern narrative of empowerment is missing something essential? We live in a world where empowerment is often defined as the independent freedom to do as we please. But in this thought-provoking episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore a radically different idea—drawn from the bhakti-yoga tradition—that deep commitment can be a source of supernatural strength. Sītā, whose unwavering integrity and loyalty ultimately crushed the might of Ravana, is more than a mythological figure—she’s a spiritual archetype. This episode challenges the assumption that power comes from autonomy, and offers a vision o...
2025-04-2253 min
Wisdom of the SagesRavana vs. Hanuman: How to Approach the Divine Feminine & Not Get SmokedThe Ramayana doesn’t just tell an ancient story—it reveals eternal truths. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore one of the most profound contrasts in the epic: how Ravana and Hanuman each approach Sita. What unfolds is not just mythological drama—it’s a powerful spiritual teaching. Sita is the personification of good fortune herself. In bhakti wisdom, how we approach her—whether with reverence and devotion or with a mood of exploitation—determines the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness that flows though our lives. This isn’t just about Sita and Ravana. It’s about all of us...
2025-04-2154 min
Wisdom of the SagesFear of Loss is a Path to the Dark SideLoss comes for everyone—but the Bhakti yogi faces it not with fear, but with training, trust, and transcendence. In this powerful episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack how the wisdom of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam prepares us for the moments that shake our identity, strip our attachments, and invite us into deeper surrender. From philosophical insight to real-life stories, they reveal how detachment isn’t cold or passive—it’s the soul’s doorway to freedom. Key Highlights: * “Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.” — Yoda (Bhakti approves.) * Why loss is not punishment—b...
2025-04-1754 min
Wisdom of the SagesPlease Don’t Feed the Demons: Ramayana & Our Own Hero’s JourneyEvery life holds a hidden epic. In this stirring episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha unlock the timeless teachings of the Ramayana and the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam to reveal how Lord Ram’s divine story is far more than mythology—it’s a living guide for our own transformation. Alongside the insights of Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey, the sages explore what it truly means to conquer inner demons and rise to the occasion of your own sacred adventure. But this episode goes deeper than just inspiration. It offers a bold clarification of what līlā truly is—and what it’...
2025-04-1050 min
Wisdom of the SagesWhy Is Ganges River Considered Purifying? Part 2More than sacred—this is about cosmic justice, karmic cleansing, and the mysterious flow of divine grace. In this provocative conclusion to our two-part deep dive, Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack why the Ganges is revered as the purifier of sins and how its sanctity is upheld—not just by myth or ritual, but through the living presence of Krishna and His devotees. What makes a river more than water? How does mercy override karma? And how can we become a river of grace ourselves? Key Highlights: • The Ganges as a portal of divine compassion—from Vaikuntha to Earth.
2025-04-0559 min
Wisdom of the SagesReframing Mental Suffering Through Bhakti / Q & A Volume 267For some of us, it seems like the mind will never let us go. In this raw and deeply insightful Q&A episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha confront the complex intersection of trauma, depression, and the spiritual path. They unpack how the Bhakti tradition doesn’t promise a quick fix for erasing psychological suffering—but it radically reframes it. Drawing from the Bhagavad Gītā and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, they explain how the soul carries the subtle mind into the next life, how karma shapes mental struggles, and how deep devotional practice can burn through even the heaviest mental burdens.
2025-03-3058 min
Wisdom of the SagesNo Retaliation, No Hate - A Yogi’s Guide to Loving the Unlovable60,000 angry men attack a saint—and get reduced to ashes by their own ignorance – this epic tale from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam becomes the backdrop for a powerful conversation on radical forgiveness, spiritual transformation, and the illusiory nature of enemies. Raghunath and Kaustubha unpack ancient wisdom through the lens of Lao Tzu, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela to reveal one unshakable truth: real sages see no enemies, only souls. From corrupt olive oil empires to broken relationships, from ego battles to misused power—even from within religious life—this episode goes deep into how spiritual m...
2025-03-2758 min
Wisdom of the SagesThe Seed You Water Will Grow: Rewiring the Mind Through BhaktiAnxiety, envy, fantasy, or gratitude—whatever you feed in the mind will take root and expand. That’s not just yogic philosophy, it’s neuroscience. The wisdom of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam and the story of Śaubhari Muni reveal how subtle desires, left unchecked, can grow into powerful distractions that completely reroute the course of life. In this episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how our thoughts shape our inner algorithm, and how Bhakti offers a path back to clarity, intention, and true spiritual direction. Key Highlights: • “The seed you water is the seed that will g...
2025-03-2658 min
Wisdom of the SagesKarma's Cosmic Sensitivity Training & How to Opt Out / Q & A Vol 266You’re not locked into karma—you’re being trained by it. In this illuminating Q&A episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha reveal how the law of karma is less about punishment and more about cosmic sensitivity training. But the deeper question is: Do you want to stay under karma’s rule, or reconnect with the root of all existence? 🌿 Key Moments & Highlights • (Departure): Kaustubha’s sacred farewell from India, chanting mantras to Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva as light streamed over the Ganges • The Indra to Indra Gopa principle – how karma reaches from the king of heavens to the microscopic germs
2025-03-2249 min
Wisdom of the SagesGovardhan Parikrama: A Yogi’s Path to Divine Connection / Q & A Volume 261In the heart of Vraja, where every stone is sacred and every step a meditation, Govardhan Parikrama is more than just a ritual—it’s a transformational experience. In this Wisdom of the Sages Q & A episode, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the profound meaning of circumambulating sacred places and why yogis across generations have honored Govardhan Hill as Krishna Himself. Why do Bhakti yogis walk barefoot around Govardhan? What happens when we physically express our devotion? And how does this practice align with the deepest truths of the yoga tradition? Raghunath & Kaustubha take on these and other inte...
2025-02-1654 min
Wisdom of the SagesTerritorialism & Its Spiritual SolutionModern psychology meets ancient wisdom in this thought-provoking episode of Wisdom of the Sages which asks, “Why do we cling to that which was never truly ours?” Join Raghunath and Kaustubha as they dive into intriguing parallels between the Ultimatum Game—a groundbreaking behavioral economics experiment—and the timeless teachings of the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Explore how Bali Maharaja’s surrender to Lord Vāmanadeva reveals the illusory nature of territorial attachments and provides a new perspective to see a deeper truth: nothing in this world truly belongs to us. ✨ Key Takeaways: • What the Ultimatum Game teaches us about f...
2025-01-1456 min
Wisdom of the SagesRaghunath at 59: A Tribute to a Bhakti TrailblazerOn the occasion of Raghunath’s 59th birthday Kaustubha reflects on decades of friendship and Raghunath’s extraordinary impact on the world of Bhakti yoga. From the rebellious stages of the hardcore punk scene to leading life-changing pilgrimages to India, to the Wisdom of the Sages podcast, Kaustubha shares that Raghunath’s journey is a testament to courage, devotion, and an unshakable mission to share divine love. Key Highlights: ✨ From punk rock to spiritual rockstar: how Raghunath fearlessly shared Bhakti with the world. ✨ The stages of the friendship of Raghunath and Kaustubha, both very different, yet sharin...
2025-01-111h 01
Wisdom of the SagesHow Life Teaches Us to Love Again🎙️Explore the challenges of living a principled life and how it all has a deeper purpose: learning how to love selflessly. Broadcasting from the Govardhan Eco Village, Raghunath and Kaustubha reflect on how our experiences in this world are divinely orchestrated to help us reconnect with true love, forgiveness, and spiritual growth. Drawing on wisdom from the Srimad Bhagavatam, they offer insights on how principled actions, though challenging, lead to lasting fulfillment. Key Topics Covered: ✨ Why life in this universe is designed to teach us how to love selflessly. ✨ Why principled actions often seem to bring los...
2025-01-0347 min
Wisdom of the SagesFrom PUNK to MONK!On the day of its official release, Raghunath and Kaustubha read from and discuss Raghunath's memoir From Punk to Monk, available at https://a.co/d/bqccpnS
2024-04-091h 04
Wisdom of the SagesHow the Guru Enters the Heart of the DiscipleRaghunath and Kaustubha discuss memories and instructions they received from Kaustubha’s guru, Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami, on the 21st anniversary of his passing from this world.
2023-02-2159 min
Amplify What You LoveAnswering life's most important questions with Wisdom of The Sages Hosts Raghunath and KaustubhaJoin Podcast Farm founder and host of Be On Air podcast, K-Lee and the powerhouse hosts behind a top Apple Spirituality Podcast, Wisdom Of The Sages as they explore the profound wisdom texts of India, and how they created a thriving podcast and community.On this episode we discuss: Podcasting PatreonTheir experience being monks for nearly a decadeWhat are life's most important questionsThe Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred vedic textsThe 5 aims of lifeKirtan and YogaBeing on the Joe Rogan Experience Podcast
2021-08-031h 05
The Late Morning Program with NamarasaEp. #039 | Making Bhakti Accessible | Feat. Raghunath Cappo & Kaustubha DasJoin us for a fascinating discussion with Raghunath and Kaustubha, from the famous "Wisdom of the Sages" podcast. We discuss their personal stories, as well as their journey in sharing Bhakti and making it accessible for the general public.
2021-01-111h 47