Enlightenment Today

In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about if we are blessed. Many people proclaim to be blessed based on their fortunate experiences in life which are usually based on pleasure. Personally claiming to be blessed is purely egotistical, especially considering you are implying that you are more…

In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about the ultimate sage showdown between Lao-tzu and Confucius. Both sages have diametrically opposed philosophies and viewpoints on the nature of humans and the irreducible essence of the Tao. These differences are showcased in the opposing metaphors of Lao-tzu’s uncarved block and Confucius’s…

In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about the dark age of the Kali Yuga. In the Hindu cycles of time known as the Yugas, the Kali Yuga represents the spiritual degradation of humanity. This age is commonly known as the age of darkness or the age of…

In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about the practice of vairagya in Hindu philosophy. Vairagya is a term that can be translated as dispassion, detachment, or renunciation. Someone who practices vairagya has a dispassionate attitude towards the pain and pleasures of the world. Vairagya refers to an…

In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about mental health issues in spirituality. To speak about mental health in relation to spirituality may appear contradictory. But there are a growing number of cases where people have experienced the effects of mental health, including depression, chronic anxiety and stress,…

In this episode of Enlightenment Today, I will speak about why people are afraid of Advaita Vedanta and other Eastern spiritual traditions. Advaita Vedanta is one of the most difficult spiritual paths to follow, but it is one of the most transformational. Following Advaita Vedanta sincerely frightens most people because…

In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about the ancient story of Shiva and Parvati’s divine marriage. Their union is one of the most significant stories throughout history. It is one of those ancient myths that will never lose its significance, as it means something very deep for…

In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about intrinsic value. Many people incorrectly assume their life has no value and question whether their existence even matters. This results from measuring our value based on the social standards we’ve been indoctrinated with and also the so-called success of others….

In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about whether the self actually exists. I will explore this from the perspective of the the five aggregates of Buddhism, especially the Madhyamaka and Yogacara schools. People often assume Buddhist beliefs are built on the idea that the self (ego/persona) is…

In this episode of Enlightenment Today I will speak about the differences between a Jivanmukta and a Bodhisattva. Both titles are revered in Hinduism (especially in (Advaita Vedanta) and Buddhism (especially in Mahayana Buddhism). The goal of both Hinduism and Buddhism (and Eastern spirituality in general) is liberation (moksha, mukti,…