Is Formal Initiation Required? Or Can You Just Watch Various Gurus on YouTube?

Some spiritual organizations, like ISKCON and TM, require their followers to undergo certain rituals of initiation. Many others do not. So, is it OK just to follow gurus on KZread without being initiated? Q&A Series #15
In some religious and spiritual traditions, sacred mantras are imparted only through a process of formal initiation (diksha). Young Hindus receive the Gayatri mantra in an ancient ritual of initiation (samskara) called upanayanam. Such rituals are said to endow mantras with a special power - mantra shakti. Many believe that, without formal initiation, mantras are deprived of that power, so their recitation will be useless.
ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, founded by Swami Prabhupada, and TM, Transcendental Meditation, founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, both require their followers to undergo formal initiation. But many others do not.
So, can you take instruction from various teachers on KZread without formal initiation? Scriptures don't forbid receiving instruction (shiksha) from more than one guru, but if you chose teachers who contradict each other (as is often the case) you might get confused.
Also, finding suitable teachers on KZread can be a huge problem. Among the millions of channels on KZread, many can lead you down a bogus spiritual path and fill you with misinformation that harms your practice (sadhana). So, the following considerations are important:
1 - Is the teacher associated with a trusted and respected spiritual organization or teaching tradition (sampradaya)?
2 - Is the teacher properly trained?
3 - If a Sanskrit scripture is being taught, does the teacher know the language?
4 - Does the teacher explain everything clearly and thoroughly?
5 - What is the teacher's motivation for teaching?
Swami Tadatmananda is a traditionally-trained teacher of Advaita Vedanta, meditation, and Sanskrit. For more information, please see: www.arshabodha.org/

Пікірлер: 309

  • @sca8217
    @sca8217 Жыл бұрын

    The one guru that I find completely genuine is Swami Sarvapriyananda. He's very well read, very humble, very grounded in contemporary science and probably the only guru who admits it immediately if he does not know something.

  • @Alephkilo

    @Alephkilo

    Жыл бұрын

    I agree.. abt Swami Sarvapriyananda.

  • @eidbg7581

    @eidbg7581

    Жыл бұрын

    I agree

  • @AbirChakraborty2004

    @AbirChakraborty2004

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @tatianaprotasova8820

    @tatianaprotasova8820

    Жыл бұрын

    I agree too !

  • @sonujain1086

    @sonujain1086

    Жыл бұрын

    🙏🙏🙏

  • @ram_bam
    @ram_bam Жыл бұрын

    Swami Tadatmananda and Swami Sarvapriyananda are my go-to sources. They compliment each other very well, and are both very genuine and authentic. The Vedanta Society of Southern California also have excellent resources and a wonderful podcast covering the Bhagavad Gita.

  • @TheGW_Channel

    @TheGW_Channel

    11 ай бұрын

    Same here

  • @coolsai

    @coolsai

    10 ай бұрын

    Same here!!!

  • @arijitdakshi6457

    @arijitdakshi6457

    8 ай бұрын

    True. Holds good for me too.

  • @kerrylattimore2684

    @kerrylattimore2684

    7 ай бұрын

    I agree. I have also been following Andre Vas at Yes Vedanta. I love these 3 gurus because they speak amazingly good English as well as Sanskrit.

  • @Chasemoney316
    @Chasemoney316 Жыл бұрын

    Swami sarvapriyananda helped me understand so much about hinduism i am eternally grateful to him. He is so good at explaining concepts which most westerners have a hard time grasping.

  • @rashmi5494
    @rashmi5494 Жыл бұрын

    My mother was initiated by a guru and she was attending lectures on Vedanta At a young age I would hear her recounting those lectures but I was not so much inclined 35 years later when I stumbled on your Atma bodh series on You tube it was like I was back into those teachings and since that day I have been hearing all your lectures . For me you are my ultimate guru I am so blessed to have found a guru who explains everything in such a simple way with such brilliant metaphors. I thank Ishwara for guiding me to you

  • @tattarrrrattat

    @tattarrrrattat

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes, we are very lucky.

  • @balajicanabady
    @balajicanabady Жыл бұрын

    Truly blessed are those who found you amidst the millions of obscurities...

  • @chironsthea607
    @chironsthea607 Жыл бұрын

    Namaste, om namo narayanaya. It has been a great blessing to have found your channel. My view of the world has shifted and I find myself with more patience, acceptance, and joy. Thank you!

  • @bridgetegap
    @bridgetegap Жыл бұрын

    Brilliant cover page. Would love to see a spiritual chat between yourself & Swami Sarvapriyaananda.

  • @chandrakantshanbhag3058

    @chandrakantshanbhag3058

    Жыл бұрын

    If it happens really mind blowing to SPIRITUAL ASPIRANTS OF THE WORLD.

  • @jens6754

    @jens6754

    Жыл бұрын

    Wouldn't that be amazing!

  • @prash0870

    @prash0870

    Жыл бұрын

    Sarvapriyananda is not enlightened but he is a scholar

  • @nomnom112

    @nomnom112

    Жыл бұрын

    @@svatejas6601 swami has mentioned more than once that he is not. Doesn't necessarily mean he's telling the truth though.

  • @LetsAllBeHappy
    @LetsAllBeHappy Жыл бұрын

    You & Swami Sarvapriyananda are my favourite Advaita gurus. Thanks KZread!

  • @sayanmondal3496

    @sayanmondal3496

    Жыл бұрын

    Me too

  • @JERRY-xm4hz

    @JERRY-xm4hz

    Жыл бұрын

    You can watch aacharya prashant too.

  • @criancaamoral6577
    @criancaamoral6577 Жыл бұрын

    Where I live (Brazil), there is no Arsham, except some in two big cities, and they're mostly from Hare Krishna mission. So classes like this are my only way to understand Advaita Vedanta. And I only can do it, because I know english. Sometimes I think I'm not supposed to get engaged in those teaching. Knowing there's a lot of Christian church in every city here, and no Arsham, probably this wasn't my duty in this life. But it's better this way. I think Non-proselytizing religion, like Hinduism, aren't meant to spread like others, because they don't force their beliefs or culture onto those whose don't want it. Anyways, Thank you Swami.

  • @advaitaveda5671

    @advaitaveda5671

    Жыл бұрын

    What? Non proselytising or not, any teaching that helps the humanity to see beyond the material and uplifts them from suffering should be the only teaching that should spread and any dogmatic preaching that makes human beings into mental slaves shouldn't be upheld and actively denounced for both our own betterment as well as for a better future

  • @LetsAllBeHappy

    @LetsAllBeHappy

    Жыл бұрын

    Another good KZread resource for Advaita Vedanta is 'Vedanta New York' by Swami Sarvapriyananda. He is seen in this video's thumbnail. He's quite good.

  • @rupalidebnath96
    @rupalidebnath969 ай бұрын

    Swami Tadmanananda ji's teachings is like a gentle resourse for a seeker. I am following Swami ji for a long time and will always be thankful for his teachings 🙏🏼

  • @vasukinagabhushan
    @vasukinagabhushan Жыл бұрын

    Please don't equate the brilliant and independent Swami Sarvapriyananda with commercial cult gurus.

  • @Dev22devi

    @Dev22devi

    Жыл бұрын

    Sadguru is a religious business man.

  • @christyxy702
    @christyxy702 Жыл бұрын

    I love this channel and Vedanta Society of NY. It’s amazing how both of you teach.

  • @VivekaVani
    @VivekaVani3 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much for all the enlightening videos.🙏🙏🙏

  • @pushpajayesh
    @pushpajayesh Жыл бұрын

    If you cannot make your mind peaceful, making the world peaceful is out of the question - Today’s quote from Sadhguru. Very timely and very apt indeed. Namaskaram everyone 🙏

  • @rsr9200

    @rsr9200

    Жыл бұрын

    I extend my warm wishes to a devotee of Sadhguru as you seem to be. Other than having watched a few KZread clips of Sadhguru, I have very little to go by to arrive at any categorical judgement of his philosophy or his organization. However, to the extent that I can glean his philosophy, it seems aligned with Advaita. Jai Sri Krishna!

  • @HAR_HAR_MAHADEV3335

    @HAR_HAR_MAHADEV3335

    Жыл бұрын

    Namaskaram akka ….how was your msr and volunteering experience

  • @pushpajayesh

    @pushpajayesh

    Жыл бұрын

    @@HAR_HAR_MAHADEV3335 Namaskaram 🙏, I watched MSR LIVE with my family from home and as always it was a wonderful, blissful experience. Took us to another dimension! We will definitely be traveling to witness the MSR celebrations at Isha CBE in the near future and will also be volunteering there at that time.

  • @HAR_HAR_MAHADEV3335

    @HAR_HAR_MAHADEV3335

    Жыл бұрын

    @@pushpajayesh ❤️🌸🙏

  • @alukuhito

    @alukuhito

    Жыл бұрын

    It's funny and ironic how many people are so angry at the world for not being peaceful. If you're that angry, then you're not at peace yourself. Anyway, I don't completely trust Sadhguru as it seems like he may have killed his wife and he seems to be more of a teacher after mass popularity than anything else.

  • @naz3887
    @naz38872 ай бұрын

    I attend ISCKON from time to time, however, I am very open to exploring other teaching as I generally don’t like to belong to an organisation. I believe the real answer is within me to explore also

  • @karlthetrader
    @karlthetrader Жыл бұрын

    Dear Swami Tadatmananda, thank you for your effort to put so many great videos online, they are so good to understand for me as a non native english speaker. I am through several videos and they usually resonate very well with me. There was only one information which did not - that was about the indefinitely many incarnations - as there was no beginning and karma had to bring us into the physical world - you said it is logic, that there are endless lifes before. Could it be that there was a different understanding of infinity in former times? Mathematicians still struggle today with that number and the rishis were no mathematics. And if there were indefinitely many lifes there must be indefinitely many buddhas already. Isn't it more likely that there was something like a beginning where Brahma intended to 'expand' into countless beings for life and self reflection? Sorry to struggle with words here. I guess there are so many dimensions and realms and especially when it comes to timelessness there could be misinterpretations. Maybe it is an idea for a video to elaborate about infinity, timelessness, dimensions, realms and beginning and ends - there should be an end due to enlightenment and resolving all karma. I home that I am not wrong as it would be frustrating to stick here on planet for all eternity...

  • @watersprite333
    @watersprite333 Жыл бұрын

    This is so important nowadays, especially with all the "new age" video's that have sprung up recently; when I had my kundalini awakening and came across your video, I knew instantly I had struck gold because of the content and my own experiences. It did not take me long to work out all the rubbish that's out there, in the name of material gain. I have had a Guru since my twenties, however, cannot afford to follow him around the globe, or, constantly donate; that being said, I have also learnt much from channels such as this one, which compliment my own practice, historical research and soul evolution. Thank you SwamiJi; namaste, love & light!

  • @SethRamesh
    @SethRamesh Жыл бұрын

    Love the question and the detailed response. IMHO, having a good teacher makes progress easy. Tough to self learn given the vast subject.🙏

  • @Julia-zj2ch
    @Julia-zj2ch Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Swami T, for a clear and respectful answer to these questions. Very helpful.

  • @jeffreycabanellas8113
    @jeffreycabanellas8113 Жыл бұрын

    Swamiji thanks for telling it like it is.Itis good to see and hear someone with the knowledge and courage to present truth to power.The tv teachers need to exposed by for what they are and opposed by simply presenting facts and truth.

  • @krishnaunni9896
    @krishnaunni9896 Жыл бұрын

    Very well explained Guru Maharaj 🙏🌼🌺🌺 Hare Krishna 🌺🙏

  • @monicamurishwar5186
    @monicamurishwar5186 Жыл бұрын

    Such clarity .Very awe inspiring. 🙏🙏

  • @chandrakantshanbhag3058
    @chandrakantshanbhag3058 Жыл бұрын

    Well explained. SHIR SASHTANG NAMASKAR TO SWAMIJI.

  • @jude-michaelkhoury1033
    @jude-michaelkhoury1033 Жыл бұрын

    So clear! Thank you for sharing 🙏👑🤍

  • @StevenParrisWard
    @StevenParrisWard Жыл бұрын

    This is excellent information. A superb summary with clear advice for the seeker. Three cheers for Swami Tadatmananda.

  • @sriharimulukunte7881
    @sriharimulukunte7881 Жыл бұрын

    Dear Guruji, That was a brilliant analysis steering clear of actually naming anyone. I have actually considered you as my Guru just like Ekalavya learnt from the Idol of Dronacharya. Guru Devo Bhava.

  • @Jaya-pu9jk
    @Jaya-pu9jk Жыл бұрын

    As usual explained in a simple, clear, and objective manner. Thank you very much.

  • @trustmeditation
    @trustmeditation Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your beautiful knowledge and teachings. I love your meditation course. Such a blessing that I found you.

  • @renukumar3912
    @renukumar3912 Жыл бұрын

    Pranam Swami ji, Many thanks for providing such clarity and guidance in our journey towards spiritual growth.

  • @johnrymer3172
    @johnrymer3172 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, this helps me to ponder how I myself teach and learn from others. Blessed be.

  • @tombraider1650
    @tombraider1650 Жыл бұрын

    We are already Sat Chit Ananda Atma but veiled by ignorance. You are pointing the way of the ancient masters to those of us who have forgotten. That is why everyone follows you dear guru. Those who have the eye to see the bright light in your being understand. OM Tat Sat 🙏🏻

  • @jayanthisrinivasan9055
    @jayanthisrinivasan9055 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Swamiji. You rock!. You are the real thing , knowledgeable, humble, cheerful, clear, and eminently likable. I'm glad you aren't Sad Guru or Triple Sri. They are like ringmasters of a Circus. Be yourself. Hope to have your darshan some day.

  • @eonoe11
    @eonoe11 Жыл бұрын

    Wonderful, Swami! Thank you so much for this very straightforward guidance. Right now, I think it may be easier than ever to go down some fruitless path. What you have advised will probably help many, if they hear this talk. Yours is too, one of many voices, but I think your wise words and fair and understanding admonitions betel your trustworthiness, in spades! I especially liked the list of good and righteous motives of the good guys. Great!

  • @MettleHurlant
    @MettleHurlant Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this lecture. It can be intimidating to want to learn about Advaita Vedanta and not know where to begin. KZread videos are a great way to get an introduction. I am very grateful that you upload your teachings and consider you my primary teacher. I also have a local Vedanta Society to participate in Zoom lectures, and one day I might go in person.

  • @dustianna11
    @dustianna11 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Swami ji. ❤

  • @monicaprabhakar5144
    @monicaprabhakar5144 Жыл бұрын

    Pranaam Guruji Thanks for being the guiding angel of my life

  • @wisdombyumeshmishra2535
    @wisdombyumeshmishra2535 Жыл бұрын

    Simply you are great 👍 you are a true teacher like old Indian Rishis.

  • @malikasingh2162
    @malikasingh2162 Жыл бұрын

    Pranam Swamiji, thank you for the clarity you bring to each topic, simple or complex. Indebted Malika

  • @onetwozeroyt
    @onetwozeroyt Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Swamiji for creating and uploading this video. This topic is very relevant in current time as number of spiritual channels are increasing on the KZread day by day. I heard this statement from Swami Chinmayananda: "When disciple is genuinely ready, Guru will appear automatically in some way ". Seeker does not need to go seeking for a Guru.

  • @kanishkajoshi563
    @kanishkajoshi563 Жыл бұрын

    🙏🙏 Thank you Swamiji....

  • Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for this profund video.👍❤

  • @kaholeung9443
    @kaholeung9443 Жыл бұрын

    Swami is certainly one of a good teacher . 😇

  • @parvathivaidyanathan6195
    @parvathivaidyanathan6195 Жыл бұрын

    Namaste. Pranams. Swamiji this video was an eye opener. It answered many questions that I had. Thank you once again for a wonder video.

  • @JagadanandaDas
    @JagadanandaDas Жыл бұрын

    Good explanation. There is a difference between learning philosophy and formally accepting and committing to the practices that are being taught. It is necessary to commit to a particular practice, preferably one that is tried and true, just as it is necessary to commit to a singly marital partner. This doesn't mean that you cannot learn from others, but you have to make sure your heart and loyalty remain to the path that you chose at the time of initiation. Until you make that commitment, you will be flailing in the dark. You advised that one should pick a guru with certain qualifications to learn from. Your list was brief but cogent. Nevertheless, it begs the question: How much more so does this apply to the taking of initiation. As much gravity as must be taken when choosing a teacher, many times more must be taken when one chooses to make the commitment to a particular path. As to ISKCON or other Vaishnava traditions, they have made the requirements much more stringent in the hope of helping students make the kind of deep and serious commitment, not only to the process, but to the society and the guru-paramparā. They do it to assure the quality of those who wear their colors, as it were. dīkṣā in turn makes us ellgible for further, more confidential instructions in the esoteric aspects of sādhanā. The mahā-mantra (Hare Krishna) does not require initiation, per se. Nor, for that matter do any Vaishnava mantras, since the names of God are independently power and have no need of any ritual or even explanation. However, no mantra sits in a procedural vacuum. Mantras are a part of a complex of practices--yoga, tantra, yantra, etc. Without proper orientation in tattva, no mantra will ultimately bear fruit. The purification of mind and heart induced by mantra practice results in the ability to see things more clearly, तथा तथा पश्यति वस्तु सूक्ष्मं. To those who listen to this lecture, my advice is, seek out a guru who passes the test, become a worthy disciple and take initiation. Commit to the practice. The commitment itself will save you. You are not independent of God or Guru. Without the mercy of the Diksha Guru, there is really no possibility of attaining perfection in sādhanā, whatever material qualifications one may have. yathā kāñcanatāṁ yāti kāṁsyaṁ rasa-vidhānataḥ tathā dīkṣā-vidhānena dvijatvaṁ jāyate nṛṇām “As bell metal is turned to gold when mixed with mercury in an alchemical process, so an ordinary human being is born again spiritually through taking intiation appropriately according to the scriptural rules.” divyaṁ jñānaṁ yato dadyāt kuryāt pāpasya saṅkṣayam | tasmāt dīkṣeti sā proktā deśikais tattva-kovidaiḥ || "Dīkṣā is so called by experts in spiritual matters as the process which bestows transcendental knowledge (divyaṁ jñānaṁ ) and vanquishes accumulated sin.". yasya prasādād bhagavat prasādo yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto'pi. "One attains God's grace thrugh the grace of the guru. Without such grace, there is no hope of success in one's spiritual endeavor." And there are so many more relevant scriptural passages. Don't underestimate the importance of dīkṣā. Radhe Shyam.

  • @SharpChronofighter
    @SharpChronofighter Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Swami 🙏

  • @revatiy
    @revatiy Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, such a valuable teaching to begin with.

  • @bhuvaneshwarjoshi3683
    @bhuvaneshwarjoshi3683 Жыл бұрын

    Very usefull advice for u tube stuck self truth guru seekers(spiritual teachers) and meditators.

  • @rishichaudhary07
    @rishichaudhary07 Жыл бұрын

    Love you Guruji🙏

  • @asokpanigrahi6998
    @asokpanigrahi699811 ай бұрын

    Hari Om. Om Sri Bhagawan Dayanandayeyi Namah.

  • @eclecticapoetica
    @eclecticapoetica Жыл бұрын

    🙏🏼 This is very worthwhile. I follow you Swami, and other teachers of Vedanta, when I find a compelling teaching or explanation it feeds my fire, so I make sure that I get that nurture each day. I am not in a situation where I can physically involve myself in the life of an ashram or temple, but through the benefits of wifi I get to sit at the feet of Shankaracharya, the Vedic Rishis and many of the teachers descended from them.

  • @bossapple3438

    @bossapple3438

    Жыл бұрын

    Also check Acharya prashant

  • @jaydutta7711

    @jaydutta7711

    Жыл бұрын

    @@bossapple3438 Acharya Prashant is just a buisnessman. He shouldn't be in the list of Gurus. Please don't insult our religion by dragging such self proclaimed Achariyas for spiritual education.

  • @torussaga3428
    @torussaga3428 Жыл бұрын

    With much gratitude Arsha Bodha and Chinmaya are the two graceful teachers sought here in this Australian location where very few teachers are available.

  • @damla.k.
    @damla.k. Жыл бұрын

    Thank you swami, I was feeling guilty to leave my spirituality elementary school almost any seeker on youtube attends for a while. Now I feel free to move on after you made it clear 🙏🙏 clarity is the best, no more oratories for me 😊

  • @EverythingsComplicated
    @EverythingsComplicated Жыл бұрын

    finding teachers who contradict each other also has a benefit of showing alternate sides of arguments, allowing the student/s to be able to engage more deeply with the content than they would by teachers who only ever agree and give identical teachings i watch these videos (i would go to the local temple, but they don't have teachers or priests who speak english and no classes for learning yet), engage with a friend who is working to being a buddhist priest, a friend who is a shinto miko, and the like. we disagree, but the conversations lead to deeper insight and other ways of looking at the questions/ideas/issues that i wouldn't think of if i only listened to one. That isn't to say that there aren't people who are charismatic and actively try to mislead followers for some reason, or entice them to engage in oppression or violence against others, so some minimal agreements that are necessary for a good spiritual teaching (i wouldn't have been able to think of advice on this part on my own, so i like the list made in the video :) )

  • @vijayarao7745
    @vijayarao7745 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Swamiji for the lucid answer 🙏🙏 I am a student of Pujya Swami Dayanand aji too.

  • @pwcrabb5766
    @pwcrabb57666 ай бұрын

    Thank You Tadatmananda

  • @skateordiebaker
    @skateordiebaker Жыл бұрын

    this was a beautiful video. i agree totally.

  • @doggee09
    @doggee09 Жыл бұрын

    Lots of love from India ❤️🇮🇳

  • @makingofmandala7264
    @makingofmandala7264 Жыл бұрын

    Dear Swamiji! Thank you for an excellent answer to an excellent question. I completely agree that one have to be careful with "you tube" teachers/healers etc. Especially in early stages of spiritual journey. And as you've said it is easy to spot the "fake" very quickly if one is practitioner for a long time. It is very sad that lots of people use spirituality for material / personal gains and they exploit naive, vulnerable and needy souls. I also agree that teachings which stem from very old sources, as Advaita Vedanta, many Buddhist teachings as Dzogchen, which is in my experience very compatible with Advaita Vedanta and even some old tribal teachings of Australian Aboriginal and Native American Indians, are more likely to be authentic and trustworthy. And to finish, I believe nothing is wrong with having a few different gurus, especially if they are compatible. The main point is to find True Guru within Oneself and that can happen only after thorough purification and significant transformation. As if one is not spiritually mature one can easily imagine that they found Inner Guru when in reality that can be only a product of wishing and imagination. Om Shanti! 🙏

  • @Purwapada

    @Purwapada

    Жыл бұрын

    Dzogchen is far more than advaita vedanta

  • @irmabronder
    @irmabronder Жыл бұрын

    Guru is within. Give up the identification with being the body and mind. Dedication in getting to know what you are. Nothing is required and anything that has to do with your body is just a distraction for getting to know that you are Pure. It cost only 24/7 dedication and devotion to getting to know what you are as you were always thinking you are this body and mind. The more you love the deeper the knowledge. The less you are interested in this beautiful world of suffering and happiness. Bliss is within when you have stopped serving the ego in you. The outside world is only to serve the ego. ❤ ❤

  • @AbirChakraborty2004
    @AbirChakraborty2004 Жыл бұрын

    Swami Sarvapriyanand 😌😌😌

  • @HAR_HAR_MAHADEV3335
    @HAR_HAR_MAHADEV3335 Жыл бұрын

    I initiated by sadhguru….. Today I’m here just because of sadhguru…… Love you so much sadhguru ❤❤❤❤

  • @sakethvemula6758

    @sakethvemula6758

    Жыл бұрын

    is Sadhguru an authentic guru ?

  • @PPPERF

    @PPPERF

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@sakethvemula6758 noo.... Business man

  • @akumar9684

    @akumar9684

    Жыл бұрын

    ​@@sakethvemula6758 yes. Learn shambhavi mahamudra from them. Life changed to heaven

  • @janetownley

    @janetownley

    11 ай бұрын

    @@sakethvemula6758He’s controversial. I have known smart sincere people on both sides.

  • @jn8922
    @jn8922 Жыл бұрын

    I understood inititiation as an energetic thing. Like formal inititiation into a specific path by a guru is where he transfers a bit of energy from himself to you and it in a way forms a bond between you and the guru where he assumes responsibility for your spiritual growth. So I understood it as a forming of a relationship between guru and disciple that transcends time and reincarnation. The guru can anytime guide you energetically and through thought transmission once initiated.

  • @yoeyyoey8937

    @yoeyyoey8937

    Жыл бұрын

    That’s good but is it necessary for everyone all the time?

  • @calisthenicsindia8498
    @calisthenicsindia8498 Жыл бұрын

    गुरोः शिक्षणसंपन्नः गुरुज्ञानेन भूषितः। अगुर्वहंमतिः गौरयशाः सद्गुरुरेव हि ।। Meaning: A person who is trained by a Guru, one who is ornamented by large scriptural knowledge, one with a very little ego, and one with a pure track record indeed is a Sadguru 🙏. (A small shloka written by me a Sanskrit student inspired by the video.)

  • @timetravel099
    @timetravel099 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent video. KZread is full of superficial gurus who just give out stuff that appeal to the masses instead of doing actual teaching. Using music, dance and entertaining stories they maintain a loyal fan base. A real teacher gives solid knowledge. Most appealing guru I've seen is swami Chinmayananda. He was a brilliant orator who used anecdotes and humor to drive in the knowledge. It was only a means and not the end unlike the new age gurus.

  • @alukuhito
    @alukuhito Жыл бұрын

    It took me years and years of self help books, then years and years of various spiritual books and practices before I came across a great teacher, and he has led me to others like Swami Tadatmananda, Swami Chinmayananda, Swami Dayananda, and others related to their lineages. He may not be traditonal, and his teaching style may not be the same, but James Swartz, also known as Ramji, has been this great teacher for me. Finding him was probably the single most important event in my individual life. However, if you're already here watching Swami Tadatmananda's videos, you're in great hands. I unfortunately had an incident with a teacher who claimed to be part of the Arsha Vidya lineage though. Nothing too major as I already understood a lot, however, he fooled others, scamming them out of their money, and making unwanted sexual advances on some of the women that followed him. Use your common sense. Anyway, thank you, as always, Swami-ji, for your ongoing videos.

  • @BillSikes.
    @BillSikes. Жыл бұрын

    Thank you Bindhu 🙏

  • @cvf3197
    @cvf3197 Жыл бұрын

    Namaste Swamiji, Thank you for your courage to guide us in this spiritual path. Some of the examples shown are far from my experience. But I always remember your advice about “Neo-Vedanta”. There are NOT four spiritual paths but only one path in which we must work all aspects. This helps me as a hint when I look for information on the web. Pranam 🙏🙏🙏

  • @ganboldlkhagvasuren9298
    @ganboldlkhagvasuren9298 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much.

  • @omshanti3087
    @omshanti3087 Жыл бұрын

    The Self is the real Guru. -the Self is real -the world is a illusion -the world is the Self

  • @ANilSirr
    @ANilSirr Жыл бұрын

    Thanks 😊

  • @lj7780
    @lj7780 Жыл бұрын

    sublime

  • @damarubhatta
    @damarubhatta Жыл бұрын

    Namaste, Swami Jee, from Nepal.

  • @oriol108
    @oriol108 Жыл бұрын

    Thank You for the answer of my Question 🙏

  • @peter636
    @peter6367 ай бұрын

    ..Many True and Great Guruji's ..Some we've met some we hav'nt met nor even know about ..*.. __________________

  • @vidyasagarreddy6383
    @vidyasagarreddy6383 Жыл бұрын

    I have listened to a few spiritual masters and am honest in saying that my perception of life has had a drastic change. First it was BK Shivani, then Swami Mukundananda, Swami Sarvapriyananda, and now Swami Tadatmananda. My whole hearted respects to them. I am blessed to have access to Swami Tadatmananda's translation of Bhagavad Gita. Great work especially for people, who do not know Sanskrit. Thank you once more.

  • @kerrylattimore2684

    @kerrylattimore2684

    7 ай бұрын

    You might like Yes Vedanta with Andre Vas. He has a 2 year study course to learn Sanscrit also. He is excellent.

  • @vidyasagarreddy6383

    @vidyasagarreddy6383

    7 ай бұрын

    @@kerrylattimore2684 Thank you very much for the suggestion. 🙏 .

  • @randalhenzler9817
    @randalhenzler9817 Жыл бұрын

    Excellent

  • @Hanumovies
    @Hanumovies Жыл бұрын

    9:09 Goosebumps! Subscribed!

  • @gridcoregilry666
    @gridcoregilry666 Жыл бұрын

    such a blessing to have you here. I wonder if you can be considered the guru of me for example, as I mostly watch your videos and take many notes for studying. Can you be my guru without you knowing me or having any direct contact?

  • @paulbendall1238
    @paulbendall1238 Жыл бұрын

    Interesting.

  • @poonamdang3803
    @poonamdang380311 ай бұрын

    Namaste … I believe that you have gurus who teach nursery and Kg , those who teach Intermediate and those who are college / university level . I am grateful to KZread for providing access to your teachings, Guru Om Swami , Mata Pravrajika Divyananaprana , Swami Sarvapriyananda , teachings of Swami Rama …. They are my virtual gurus… shat shat naman 🙏🏻🙏🏻

  • @therealsaraswati
    @therealsaraswati Жыл бұрын

    awesome

  • @geetamishra9361
    @geetamishra9361 Жыл бұрын

    You are great

  • @rudyponzio5871
    @rudyponzio5871 Жыл бұрын

    🙏🏻Thank you for the opening to share. Can you share too much?

  • @IonTrone
    @IonTrone2 ай бұрын

    spiritually spicy! :) 👏👏

  • @madeyasa5379
    @madeyasa5379 Жыл бұрын

    thanks

  • @danmc2678
    @danmc2678 Жыл бұрын

    I have had three awakening from Fred Davis on KZread after my initial awakening at a nine day silent meditation retreat by Dzogchen Buddhist Lama Surya Das in California. Intention is key.

  • @007witharvind
    @007witharvind Жыл бұрын

    Pujya Swami Ji, Only your lofty teachings are enough for us, however anyone who wants to enquire more I believe neuroscientist professor Donald Hoffman is the best option .

  • @chatrapatishivajithegreat2998
    @chatrapatishivajithegreat2998 Жыл бұрын

    Being curious for spirituality since childhood i visited several gurus of different tradition and like some aspects in all. But never agreed 100% completely to became fallower. Whenever i see destroyed temples, inequality and injustice in soceity i became uncomfortable. i doubt presence of any god and promise of lord krishna in geeta that he will to come to save. While many a time i feel jeolous of innocence of devotees for being at ease and comfort. While I am wondering relentlessly in search of true knowledge, worrying about what will happen to my soul, lately when i red Geeta properly i find same qurstion from arjun to which bhagwan anwered that devotionless good karma will not be wasted but will be ustilized for spritual progress in next births. I am very happy, Wandering took me to you swamiji my thrist for knowledge satisfied by watching your several videos with excellent explanation of complex subject. You are real great guru🙏

  • @allnone4277
    @allnone4277 Жыл бұрын

    🙏🙏🙏

  • @simeondawkins6358
    @simeondawkins63589 ай бұрын

    The only thing that matters is the effectiveness of any teachings that Wakes you up to reality, the rest is irrelevant

  • @yanhuachen8632
    @yanhuachen8632 Жыл бұрын

    🙏❤️🙏

  • @surrao2732
    @surrao2732 Жыл бұрын

    🙏👍

  • @traceler
    @traceler Жыл бұрын

    Sadhguru organization charge huge sums in USA for his programs where Swami Sarvapriyananda doe not for his lectures.

  • @bc0125

    @bc0125

    Жыл бұрын

    @@pushpajayesh Sadhguru is a fraud .. stop spamming these boards where truth seekers are looking for genuine guidance

  • @pushpajayesh

    @pushpajayesh

    Жыл бұрын

    @@varawaddle275 “Confusion is better than stupid conclusions. In confusion, there is still a possibility. In stupid conclusions, there is no possibility” - one of Sadhguru’s quotes. Namaskaram 🙏

  • @pushpajayesh

    @pushpajayesh

    Жыл бұрын

    I have high regard for both the gurus you mentioned here. Have you ever tried to find out the innumerable social causes Sadhguru’s organization “Isha Foundation” has been engaging for 30 plus years which involves huge sums of money? How is that possible without money? I am very satisfied that every rupee/penny I give as donation or program fee to Isha is spent wisely for the welfare of the people and the environment. I have not come across any Foundation that reaches out to the society to do so much productive work. Hope you do your research properly before making conclusions. Namaskaram 🙏

  • @Dev22devi

    @Dev22devi

    Жыл бұрын

    @@pushpajayesh Guru's main duty to take a person from darkness to light. It's not a Spiritual Guru's duty to do social service. This so called Sadguru cheating people's in the name of social service.

  • @kiteretsu3600

    @kiteretsu3600

    Жыл бұрын

    @@Dev22devi Sadhguru is doing what a Guru does and Isha Foundation is doing that what you call as social service 🙏

  • @tejsingh1546
    @tejsingh1546 Жыл бұрын

    ✨️🙏

  • @AAPkeMitraNJ
    @AAPkeMitraNJ Жыл бұрын

    It’s interesting to listen about so called initiation. Why do so many gurus and organization spend (waste) time and money on such external ceremonies while knowledge is all inside our head.

  • @carrad123456

    @carrad123456

    Жыл бұрын

    It leads to formation of mind memory and become part of chitt, mind memory of impressions via soul travels from one life form to another• Initiation iz like sanskaar, Some people will try their best in marriage and fulfill all duties even without religious marriage, some people need marriage ceremony to remind them of that• Sanskaar , external elements basically provide you with internal focus on that particular event• Many people may have it already but many need it, problem arises when people start respecting external more than internal•

  • @sca8217

    @sca8217

    Жыл бұрын

    Committing to something ritually in front of other people acts as a constant reminder of your oath. It's all well and good to have knowledge inside your head, but knowledge and mental discipline are two entirely different things. To be one of shishya is not just to absorb knowledge, but also to learn it's implication in different circumstances. The whole point of Satyanarayan Puja , for example, is not to propitiate some unseen deity in an unknown dimension, but to fortify in one's mind the thought that one is responsible for the success of the family and profession through one's actions and intents.

  • @kathyryan7611
    @kathyryan7611 Жыл бұрын

    💖💖💖

  • @nagodio
    @nagodio Жыл бұрын

    I did a DEEP DIVE on the following TM for 2 weeks deep diving articles books youtube and the way i learned online is the same exact! To the point when i went to learn at a Certified center . I didnt mind because i wanted to make sure i learned it the rite way and I got a bunch of questions asked and answered upfront . But it was exactly the same as what i learn searching. Even the mantra i picked out was the same he gave me . I also learned how to do apanana and Vipassana from reading a bunch of books articles and youtube. Their a few people who know how to do it but it took me hours upon hours of searching also read a few monk books and skimmed pages talking about the tecq of it . But i KNOW its not the same as going to the 10 day resort b. I am going to class next week to learn SKY yoga 97 % of people on youtube who teach you TM are doing it Wrong.

  • @karthikeyanvenugopal4570
    @karthikeyanvenugopal457011 ай бұрын

    🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  • @rashmiprakash8510
    @rashmiprakash8510 Жыл бұрын

    I was initiated by one of the greatest sages( beings ) of the 20th century. It was diksha through a glance . Drik diksha/ nayana diksha. Diksha does help in making japa and meditation easier and deeper and longer.

  • @Yogi-Koala-Bear
    @Yogi-Koala-Bear6 ай бұрын

    All roads lead to Rome, if the desire is there. Hence, the many spokes on the wheel, leading to the central hub. Along the way, "Do what you will and harm none", is the Witches' Rede.

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