The Vedanta Treatise expounds the ancient philosophy of the Vedas. It presents the eternal principles of life and living. Living is a technique that must be learnt and practised. The Treatise provides the formula for combining continual action with enduring peace. It further equips one with a clear intellect to meet the challenges of the world. Read by the author. This is an mp3 (compressed) format

Humanity has stopped thinking. The paucity of thought, reason and judgement has left the human intellect emaciated. Educational institutions focus on providing sheer knowledge, intelligence with no plan or program to develop the intellect. The world today is all intelligence, no intellect.

The loss of intellect has left humans with stress, depression and disease. And the world with vandalism, militancy and terrorism. Humanity now faces an urgent need to rehabilitate, reconstruct the fallen intellect.

The word Guru literally means `dispeller of darkness` A guru serves as the beacon light for spiritual development.One needs to understand the technique of selecting the right Guru.This discourse presents the essential qualities that a teacher must possess so that a student will benefit from their association.

Self-control is commonly misunderstood to mean self-denial. Self-denial is a negative condition of forced abstinence. It leads to suppression, frustration in life. Self-control is a sublime state of knowledge and power. You gain mastery over the world instead of the world harassing you. The concept of Self-control needs to be carefully understood and practiced for sustained happiness in life

`Viveka` means knowledge. `Vairagya`, detachment. Knowledge is not mere accumulation of information from preceptors and scriptures. True knowledge requires thorough reflection upon the material studied. With reflection, one develops a state of detachment towards the superficial aspects of life. Knowledge unaccompanied by detachment serves no purpose in spiritual unfoldment. One becomes a mere scholar.

Entire humanity is involved in two extreme approaches to life. One class of people goes all out and indulges in the world seeking enjoyment. Another class forcibly abstains out of an irrational fear and suppresses itself. Both end up bitterly disappointed. The middle path envisages an intelligent approach instead. Provides the guidelines on the art of right contact with the world.

The material layers of the individual are the body, mind and intellect. These need to be used diligently to unravel the Supreme Self within. The three yoga’s are Karma (Action) for the body, Bhakti (Devotion) for the mind, and Gnana (Knowledge) for the intellect. These disciplines need to be carefully understood. Then practiced in the right proportion to ensure comprehensive development of the personality.

Meditation is an advanced spiritual practice. It requires exhaustive preparation. The scriptures constantly emphasise the importance of preparatory disciplines before meditation. It is vital to understand the role and place of meditation in spiritual development before one practices this discipline.

The human mind is extremely potent. If uncontrolled, it destroys the personality. Generates stress and strain. The mental agitations thus produced overpower the individual`s capacity to think. Leads one to a state of confusion, delusion in life. However, a controlled mind generates enduring peace and happiness. Thus, it is vital to understand and direct it’s functioning.

William Shakespeare`s immortal line "To be or not to be" encapsulates the perennial dilemma of choice that confronts every human being. Of all living creatures, a human alone is endowed with the choice of action. Thus humanity needs instructions on life and living. This presentation provides the guidelines to develop the clarity of thinking needed to make the right choices in life.

A human being alone is endowed with the capacity to serve and sacrifice. True service uplifts the recipient as well as the donor. There are various grades of service one can perform – material, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. One needs to understand these grades of service in order to elevate oneself to subtler levels of service.

Devotion or `Bhakti` has a far deeper significance than what is envisaged. Devotion has come to mean mechanical adherence to ritualistic worship and servile pleading for selfish demands. This discourse outlines the understanding and effort needed to elevate one`s feeling to that true devotion. Through such understanding one is able to transform emotion from weakness to strength, from selfish to sublime.

Vedanta is derived from two words. `Veda` means knowledge, and `anta`, end. Vedanta is the end of knowledge, the knowledge of the Ultimate. The ancient philosophy of Vedanta gives one the vision of the mission and purpose of human existence. Leads to the realisation of one`s real Self. The perfect state of liberation and bliss.

Renunciation has been completely misunderstood as a state of escapism and resignation. This is far from the truth. Renunciation is a dynamic state of mind achieved through knowledge of higher vallues. With this knowledge, one is able to gain the right perspective in life. Lead a life participating in the world like anyone else, but with a clear understanding of the ephemeral nature of objects and beings compared with the permanent bliss of the Self within.

Meditation is a highly specialised spiritual practice. It requires dedicated effort in mastering the preparatory disciplines. If used properly thus, it leads one to the ultimate state of Self-realisation. However, the majority abuse this subtle practice. Plunge into meditation with unprepared minds. This harms rather than helps the personality. Thus, one needs to carefully understand the demanding preparation required for proper use of meditation.

The real grandeur of life lies in the Supreme Self within every human being. Known as Atman in Sanskrit. God or Self in English. Humans have lost cognizance of the Self within. Find themselves confused, deluded in life. What is needed is knowledge of the Self. That will unravel the hidden power and bliss within. Lead us to the ultimate excellence in human existence. Spiritual Enlightenment.

The functioning of the universe is governed by the principle of cause and effect. It is the law of causation or `karma` that governs the life and functioning of beings. Non understanding of this law has caused a lot of confusion regarding the role of effort in human destiny. As a result, various superstitions and beliefs are practically destroying humanity. A clear understanding of this law provides the clarity of thinking required for sound, purposeful living.

The human mind remains the ultimate challenge. It needs a powerful intellect to govern it. Otherwise, it can wreak havoc on the personality. It is prone to slip into mental agitations that destroy the quality of an individual`s life. Ultimately lead one to total ruin. Thus, one needs to govern it to ensure a peaceful existence. This presentation details the devastating course the mind could take and provides a solution.

The human mind remains the ultimate challenge. It needs a powerful intellect to govern it. Otherwise, it can wreak havoc on the personality. It is prone to slip into mental agitations that destroy the quality of an individual`s life. Ultimately lead one to total ruin. Thus, one needs to govern it to ensure a peaceful existence. This presentation details the devastating course the mind could take and provides a solution.

Of all living beings, only a human is presented with the choice of action. Hence it becomes imperative for one to learn and make the correct choices in life. Educational institutions the world over only provide objective information. Making a person ‘intelligent’ or well informed in one or more subjects. Mere intelligence cannot ensure right action. This fact is exemplified by the problems of obesity, depression and stress among the intelligentsia. Instead one must build a powerful ‘intellect’ or the capacity to reason and analyse. The lecture distinguishes between intelligence and intellect at all levels of the personality. And provides a method to develop the intellect thereby enabling right choice of action.

The world is riddled with stress and strain, bitterness and disharmony. This is because it lies barren, bereft of the fundamental values of life. One needs to learn and imbibe basic human values. These alone provide a sustainable base for a fulfilling existence of peace, prosperity and harmony.

Human beings are governed by two powerful motivations in life: Acquisition and enjoyment of external objects. These pursuits are insatiable. Not understanding this truth, the vast majority aimlessly pursue the world only to end up bitterly disappointed. This discourse explains this phenomenon. Why nothing external is ever enough. Further expounds the way to achieve relative and then absolute peace and joy in life.

The spiritual path alone leads one to enduring peace and happiness in life. However, the path is paved with a plethora of obstacles that one needs to overcome. The scriptures refer to the spiritual path as treading on a razor`s edge. This discourse expounds these impediments and how to overcome them.

Children abound with energy and cheer. Their energy need not be stifled or discouraged. Only needs to be shown the right channels for productive expression. All too often, parents greatly misdirect their efforts. Create unpleasantness for themselves and their innocent wards. Thus, parents need to educate themselves on this subtle art of moulding their children.

Marriage is a relationship that pervades the physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual realms. Thus, it is vital to learn and practice the technique of relating with one`s spouse at all these levels. This ensures enduring harmony and fulfilment based on understanding and affection.

The Vedanta philosophy contains the knowledge of life and living. "Thoughts for the day" is a selection of philosophical truths to help guide one`s understanding of the individual and his relationship with the world. One is then able to function with clarity and purpose in practical life.

Stress and strain stem from the lack of development in the individual. Few institutions in the world are aware of; much less attend to this grave problem. Vedanta deals with the individual. It analyses the human personality and expounds the art of right contact with the world. The lecture provides three practical disciplines to develop the individual. Through constant practice of these disciplines one becomes perfect and productive in all spheres of life.

Youth is a stage of life full of energy and promise. However, this energy needs to be channelised purposefully to sustain a high quality of life. This discourse contains a powerful message that outlines the value systems needed for young men and women. A message that would enable them to live with cheer, enthusiasm and purpose for a rewarding existence in the world

Although there has been a remarkable increase in the standard of living, the quality of life has deteriorated. Stress and strain consume humanity. This is due to a total neglect of the development of the individual. One needs to learn to manage one`s inner personality. Self-management ensures a peaceful and progressive life.

Self-realisation is glorified in the scriptures as the highest goal of human existence. A perfect state of absolute liberation, bliss and power. This presentation uses examples and concepts from our own realm of experience to indicate the grandeur of that supreme State

The Theory of Reincarnation is based based on sound observation and profound reason. It`s understanding is vital if one is to comprehend life in its entirety. The role of birth and death in human nature and experience is explained in this fascinating discourse.

Education consists of two factors. The first is acquisition of information on various subjects. The second is knowledge of the individual and his relationship with the world. Current education systems focus only on the first aspect, wholly ignoring the second. The result is an unprepared individual who inevitably succumbs to stress and strain in life. Thus, the entire education system needs to be radically overhauled to include the essential second component of education. This pioneering concept is fully explained in this presentation.

Of all living beings, humans alone possess the choice of action. They need instruction on how to make the right choices in life. Not understanding this, they act impulsively, mechanically. Their actions lose direction and purpose. Produce stress, monotony and boredom. This presentation outlines the fundamentals of right action. Gives a blueprint of perfect action, following which one gains dynamism in action with mental peace within.

The Bhagavad Gita ‘Song of the lord’ is a conversation between Lord Krsna and the mighty warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It provides a dynamic and practical philosophy which expounds the technique of living for a successful and peaceful life. Above all it ushers one towards the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment.The ninth chapter explains how the self-Atman pervades the world. The wise seek the self. The ignorant disregard the Self and pursue the world with vain hopes and aspirations. And go through the cycle of birth and death. Thus humanity strives for material or spiritual goals. The ignorant fulfill their mundane desires but never gain fulfillment in life. Whereas, the wise pursuing the Self attain the state of absolute peace and bliss in Self-realization. Krsna’s advice directs one and all to rise above worldly entanglement and attain spiritual enlightenment.

The Bhagavad Gita ‘Song of the lord’ is a conversation between Lord Krsna and the mighty warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It provides a dynamic and practical philosophy which expounds the technique of living for a successful and peaceful life. Above all it ushers one towards the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment.This chapter explains Brahman as the supreme source of the manifest world. Brahman eludes even the most evolved. Nevertheless the wise with devotion and dedicated effort reach Brahman. Arjuna stands aghast at the astounding knowledge and personality of Krsna. Wondering at his infinite nature, he requests Krsna to reveal his manifestation in the universe. Krsna, personifying Brahman, details analytically his manifestation everywhere. Even as he reveals himself thus the lord elucidates that the entire manifested world is but an infinitesimal part of Brahman.

The Bhagavad Gita ‘Song of the lord’ is a conversation between Lord Krisna and the mighty warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It provides a dynamic and practical philosophy which expounds the technique of living for a successful and peaceful life. Above all it ushers one towards the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment.Herein Lord Krishna displays his cosmic manifestation. Arjuna sees the entire universe in a colossal, immeasurable form. Struck with awe and wonder, he is overwhelmed with adoration and fear. He bows down. Begs Krsna forgive his past indulgences in their frienship. Arjuna cannot take in the Lord’s cosmic form any more. Upon his request the Lord resumes his gentle form. Arjuna regains his composure. Krsna explains the difficulty in gaining the divine vision. And describes the way to reach the Supreme Being.

The Bhagavad Gita ‘Song of the lord’ is a conversation between Lord Krsna and the mighty warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It provides a dynamic and practical philosophy which expounds the technique of living for a successful and peaceful life. Above all it ushers one towards the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment. Arjuna asks the question, which baffles humanity: Should one worship God with a form or the formless reality? Lord Krsna explains the relevance of both types of worship. That the former caters to the devotional and the latter to the intellectual spiritual seekers.He prescribes appropriate spiritual practices to seekers of all cadres. Right from an evolved practitioner to an initiate. The concluding verses define the 35 qualities of a Bhakta, a true devotee of God.

The Bhagavad Gita ‘Song of the lord’ is a conversation between Lord Krsna and the mighty warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It provides a dynamic and practical philosophy which expounds the technique of living for a successful and peaceful life. Above all it ushers one towards the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment. The chapter describes the immanence and transcendence of Brahman, the supreme reality. It manifests as microcosm and macrocosm, which together constitute the Ksara – the perishable world of things and beings. Brahman also remains as Ankara- the imperishable aspect of the perishable world. Lastly Brahman, transcending the ksara and even the Aksara, pervades everywhere as the Supreme Being, Purusottama. The wise transcend the ksara and the Aksara to reach the Purusottama.

The Bhagavad Gita ‘Song of the lord’ is a conversation between Lord Krsna and the mighty warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It provides a dynamic and practical philosophy which expounds the technique of living for a successful and peaceful life. Above all it ushers one towards the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment.Arjuna questions Krsna whether he should pursue the path of action or knowledge. Krsna clarifies that introverts follow the path of knowledge, jnana yoga while extroverts, the path of action, karma yoga.Expounding Karma yoga Krsna first elaborates on the logic and reason for the pursuit of action. Noticing the lack of its impact on Arjuna Krsna gives six emotional appeals to influence Arjuna’s mind. A combined appeal to the head and heart for action prepares Arjuna to respond.Krsna then reveals the Technique of Right Action. Follows up with the elements that impede right action. And concludes the chapter by explaining how to overcome them.

The Bhagavad Gita ‘Song of the lord’ is a conversation between Lord Krishna and the mighty warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It provides a dynamic and practical philosophy which expounds the technique of living for a successful and peaceful life. Above all it ushers one towards the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment.Herein Krsna elaborately explains sraddha faith. He clarifies with an analysis of the three types of sraddha: sattvika purest, rajasika mediocre and tamasika lowest. How they relate to the type of ahara food, yajna sacrifice, tapa austerity and dana gift. The nature of these practices helps determine the quality of sraddha.The concluding verses explain the spiritual terms Om, Tat and Sat. A seeker uses them as disciplines to reach the ultimate reality. Krsna dismisses anything opposed to these practices as asat, unreality.

Atmashatakam, Pranava Swaroopa, Brahmanandam, Bada Chittachor, Atma Rama, Mana Ek Bar Hari, Jaya Jaya Girija, Radha Sameta, Ramachandra Raghuveera, Shyam Re, Srinivasa Govinda, Seeta Rama Kaho, Sriram Jayaram, Srirama Saranam, Purandara Ranga, Harivarasanam

Invocatory Prayers, Akhandamandalakaram, Adharam Madhuram, Achyutam Keshavam, Bhaja Govindam, Prabhum Prananatham, Shivapanchakshari, Atma Bodha

Lingashtakam, Gauri Nandana, Aao Guru Deva, Bhaja Ramam, Chittachora, Govinda Rama, Hey Madhava, Jaya Raghunandana, Jaya Ramakrishna, Krishna Krishna, Krishna Murari, Khelati Mama Hrdaye, Pyare Nandalal, Radhe Krishna, Sree hari bol, Yamuna teera Vihari

Gauri Nandana, Rama Raghava, Pyare Nandalal, Raghupate Ramachandra, Krishna Murari, Madhava Murahara, Mann Ek Baar, Radhe Krishna, Sri Rama Chandra, Bhaja Ramam, Jaya Jaya Govinda

Chapters I to XVIII