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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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 🙏🏼

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

Thank you for this lecture. It can be intimidating to want to learn about Advaita Vedanta and not know where to begin. KZfaq 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.

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 🙏

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 KZfaq 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.

So clear! Thank you for sharing 🙏👑🤍

Such clarity .Very awe inspiring. 🙏🙏

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

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 🙏🏻

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

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

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...

Well explained. SHIR SASHTANG NAMASKAR TO SWAMIJI.

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 😊

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

Pranaam Guruji Thanks for being the guiding angel of my life

🙏🏼 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.

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

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 :) )

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

Thank you for this profund video.👍❤

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

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! 🙏

Excellent video. KZfaq 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.

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.

Thank you, such a valuable teaching to begin with.

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

Swami is certainly one of a good teacher . 😇

this was a beautiful video. i agree totally.

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.

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

Thank you Swami ji. ❤

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 🙏🙏🙏

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. ❤ ❤

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.

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

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.)

Thank You Tadatmananda

🙏🙏 Thank you Swamiji....

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.

Thank You for the answer of my Question 🙏

Love you Guruji🙏

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 KZfaq 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 🙏🏻🙏🏻

Hari Om. Om Sri Bhagawan Dayanandayeyi Namah.

Thank you Swami 🙏

Thank you Bindhu 🙏

Lots of love from India ❤️🇮🇳

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

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 .

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

Thank you very much.

Swami Sarvapriyanand 😌😌😌

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🙏

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

Thanks 😊

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

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?

9:09 Goosebumps! Subscribed!

Namaste, Swami Jee, from Nepal.

Excellent

sublime

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.

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.

spiritually spicy! :) 👏👏

Interesting.

You are great

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

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.

awesome

thanks

My favourites are Swami Tadatmananda, Swamini Atmaprakashananda, Swami Sarvapriyananda and Swami Dayananda. I like Swami Dayananda's lineage. ❤

Thank you very much! I think we can also forget the ones that are living today and learn only from the true and recognized saints and mahatmas of the past. Like Gautama Budha, Jesus Christ, Padmasambhava, Adi Shankara acharia, Par. Ramakrishna, Ramana Maharshi, Siddharameshwar Maharaj, Nisargadatta Maharaj ...and the Upanixads, Ashtavakra gita, Ribhu gita, Yoga vasishta. That will be more than enough...I think.

So from my understanding, this channel hits it on the head as far as online gurus go

Just listen to the Guru that looks through your eyes.

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.

🙏🙏🙏

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

Your jurisprudence should be your Guru, as other gurus are only made by fanatics.