Gotras and Kashyapa
July 12, 2008
This podcast presents the concept of gotra, or family lineage that can be traced back to one of the original seven rishis (sapta rishi). For those us in the west we are considered to be from the Kashyapa gotra, because Kashyapa was the father of the Sun, and according to vedic tradition, we all come from the Sun.
We continue with stories about Kashyapa, who among other things created Kashmir (which is named after him), wrote some original texts on Ayurveda, and on Vastu. We conclude with a great story about Garuda , the divine eagle, to whom Vishnu appears as a mound of sugar!
Chanting of Soorya Pratasmaranam and the very melodic Soorya Suprabhatam.
Birds in the Mahabharata - Podcast #72
June 6, 2008
This podcast features two stories from the Mahabharata in which birds play a prominent role.
First we have the story of a learned Brahmin who was sitting under a tree when a crane flew overhead and pooped on him, thus starting an interesting flow of events that taught the Brahmin some very important lessons!
The second story starts with a pigeon trying not to get eaten by a hawk. The pigeon takes refuge in the arms of King Shivi of Varanasi and that leads to some very interesting complications, particularly if you remember Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice.
Chanting in this podcast is the Garuda Dandakam and Purusha Suktam.
Shakalya questions Yajnavalkya - Podcast #71
May 15, 2008
Our podcast series continues with this story from the great yagya held by King Janaka in which Yajanvalkya answers questions from all who wish to challenge him. He thinks that he has completed his questioning when Shakalya starts to pepper him with a series of questions to which Yajnavalkya replies with great humor and insight. But the brilliance is lost on Shakalya with disasterous results.
The podcast concludes with the Saraswati Stuthi and Asvamedha Prakarana, both composed by Yajnavalkya.
Gargi and Yanjavalkya - Podcast #70
May 15, 2008
The Brihadarnayaka Upanishad contains a number of humorous and interesting stories about the great sage Yajnavalkya. This podcast features the yagya that was held by King Janaka to see who was the greatest knower of Brahman. Yajnavalkya asserts himself and is challenged, particularly by a woman seer named Gargi. In the process of their conversation much interesting information is conveyed about the structure of life and the nature of Brahman.
The podcast concludes with a nice selection from the Taittariya Upanishad.
Rahu and Ketu - Podcast #69
April 17, 2008
Rahu and Ketu are uniquely vedic planets which from the perspective of Jyotish (Hindu astrology) have a profound impact on our life experience. This podcast examines these two planets, the story of their creation, and takes a look at how they are experienced by people such as President Jimmy Carter, Martin Luther King, and Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer.
This episode also includes traditional chanting of the Rahu and Ketu Kavacha, followed by ten minutes of the melodious Sama Veda.
Please click the arrow to play.
Madhu Vidhya and the Ashwin Twins
April 16, 2008
Madhu Vidhya, the story of Dadhyann Rishi, the Ashwin Twins, and how Indra cut off his head attempting to keep this knowledge secret. Plus chanting of Goshi Shanti, Purusha Suktam, and Rishi Suktam.
Gosha - one of the women seers of the Rig Veda
April 15, 2008
Gosha, one of the woman seers of the Rig Veda is author of hymns on the Ashvin Twins, the divine physicians. Chanting of Navagraha stotras and a mantra from the Ashvameda ritual.
Shivaratri
April 14, 2008
An examination of Shivarati; the night of Shiva, plus stories about this festival. Also, modern versions of traditional songs about Shiva.
The Danda Swamis
April 13, 2008
The Danda Swamis and their traditions followed by an amusing story about renunciation. Chanting of Trotaka Ashtakam and Guru Paduka Stotram.
Ascetics and Sadhus
April 12, 2008
Ascetics and Sadhus; the mystic renunciates of the Vedic tradition. Chanting of Sani Stotram, Kalabhraiva Stotram and a complete Shiva puja.