Our Vedic and Upanishadic Culture

In this talk, Swamiji speaks about our rich cultural and spiritual heritage. We have a rich ritualistic tradition in our country. The Vedas introduce us to the elaborate rituals, simultaneously warning us that they are difficult and impossible to pursue. That is because it is conditional – depending upon numerous do’s and don’ts – with every possibility of failure.

Upanishads point out to the Supreme and they speak about how we can attain it. The Supreme cannot be attained by short-lived ceremonial acts. The goal of the mortal man is to attain immortality. The salvation lies in going to a Sadguru and getting properly instructed. Remaining in the cause-and-effect sequence, one will not be able to reach the causeless source.

Swamiji reveals how his own weddedness to the whole Vedic Knowledge or Upanishadic Knowledge became Supreme and overwhelming, how it shaped his life, transforming him into a Sannyasin. He highlights that the human mind is the source of all activities, sustainer and finally the terminus of all activities. He urges us to be focused on the mind, to grow and develop inner abundance and inner fullness.