Podcast
The Daily Vedantic
Hosted by James Beshara · EN
The Daily Vedantic, hosted by James Beshara, is a daily Podcast and YouTube channel dedicated to the timeless wisdom of Vedanta; the “perennial philosophy” as Aldous Huxley often called it. Originating over 5,000+ years ago, the source of nearly all Eastern philosophy and studied daily by titans like Emerson, Thoreau, Carl Jung and Alan Watts — the teachings of Vedanta, stemming from the Vedas, offer essential and pragmatic insights that anyone can use to live a life full of peace and prosperity. The aim of The Daily Vedantic is to make this philosophy as accessible as it is profound.
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Force Less
3d ago00:14:11Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 102 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:Step into the world of forcelessness in this episode of “The Daily Vedantic”, Discover the profound wisdom within Vedanta philosophy that challenges the modern notion of exerting force to achieve desired outcomes. Uncover the paradoxical truth that what is forced is not forceful and explore how embracing this philosophy can transform your relationships, endeavors, and overall approach to life. Join the journey of cultivating abundance without attachment and witness the power of non-forcing in creating a life filled with meaningful and stress-free experiences.Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →Vedanta and the Buddha
4d ago00:19:27Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 101 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:Join us in today's daily Vedantic reflection as we unravel the intriguing similarities between Vedanta and Buddhism. Dive into the profound wisdom that transcends time, connecting ancient Vedic philosophy with the teachings of the Buddha. Discover the shared insights on the nature of suffering, desire, and the ultimate quest for enlightenment. Explore the subtle nuances that differentiate these two philosophical traditions while recognizing the common thread that unites them in the pursuit of profound truths.Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →Minefulness
5d ago00:16:54Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 100 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:Welcome back to another enriching episode of the Daily Vedantic! In today's reflection titled "Mineful", we explore the profound concept of possessiveness and its impact on our relationships, personal development, and freedom. Discover the wisdom of detaching from the notion of ownership and understand the difference between having possessions and being possessive. Dive into the timeless teachings of Vedanta, offering insights that challenge the cultural mindset of ownership. Learn how embracing detachment can lead to stronger relationships, personal growth, and a sense of true freedom. Join us in this thought-provoking journey toward a more mindful and fulfilling life!Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →Let's Get Realized
1w ago00:08:55Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 99 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:Join us in another insightful episode of the Daily Vedantic as we explore the profound concept of realization. Delving into the timeless wisdom of Vedanta, we revisit the powerful reminder that "there's literally nothing else to do." Reflect on the idea that our pursuit of symbols of freedom, whether material success or personal achievements, is a reflection of our innate desire for true freedom—the freedom that comes with self-realization. Discover the transformative power of reflecting on this ancient truth, and consider whether your daily actions align with the quest for your birthright: ultimate freedom. Don't miss out on this empowering reflection that might just change the way you approach life!Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →The Crown Jewel of Discernment
1w ago00:09:39Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 98 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:Welcome back to another enlightening episode of the Daily Vedantic! Today, we dive into the profound concept of discernment—the crown jewel of wisdom. Drawing inspiration from the ancient sage Shankaracharya and his timeless work, Vivekachudamani, we explore discernment as the paramount ideal in Vedanta. Unlike the common emphasis on love in Western philosophies, Vedanta posits discernment as the wellspring from which all virtues and ideals flow. Discover how discernment encompasses both knowing what to do and virtuously following through, making it the key to unlocking a prosperous and fulfilling life. Join us in this reflective journey, and remember, discernment might just be the divine gift that grants you everything you ever wanted.Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →You Is
2w ago00:10:34Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 97 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:Join us in today's episode of the Daily Vedantic as we explore the profound simplicity of existence. In a world filled with debates about the past, future, and cosmic entities, Vedanta stands out by emphasizing the undeniable truth—You Is. Dive into the essence of this philosophy that requires no superstitions or elaborate beliefs. Discover the power of questioning, reflection, and the transformative impact of acknowledging your existence in the grand infinitude of the universe. Challenge yourself to no longer take for granted the most meaningful knowledge: the simple and profound fact that You Is.Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →Your Nature
3w ago00:11:30Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 96 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:Join us in today's episode of the Daily Vedantic as we look into the powerful concept of "Swadharma," meaning your nature or essence. Drawing inspiration from the incredible albatross, learn how aligning with your true nature allows you to effortlessly soar through life. Uncover the two significant impacts of embracing your Swadharma: contributing uniquely to the world and unlocking untold bliss for yourself and those around you. Explore the key question that can guide you on this transformative journey and pave the way to a life filled with purpose and fulfillment.Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →Venice Vedanta Club: Philosophy Fridays (Live in Venice)
3w ago01:32:39Tap to summarizeReserve your spot and sign up now to be part of this engaging Friday morning conversation: https://forms.gle/QaRSWndLbyvKeF1j8In this Philosophy Fridays episode at The Lighthouse, James Bechera and Reva explore Advaita Vedanta as a practical framework for clarity, self-understanding, and right action.The conversation begins with the growth of the Philosophy Fridays community, then moves into one of Vedanta’s most powerful distinctions: the difference between identifying as the “doer” and living as the witness. James and Reva unpack how this shift creates more clarity, better decision-making, and less self-sabotage.They discuss love as “seeing no otherness,” the role of the intellect in guiding the mind, and why inner work is not separate from service but often the foundation of it. Through examples from the Bhagavad Gita, The Lion King, Shakespeare, surfing, business, and daily life, they explore how attachment, fear, people-pleasing, and social conditioning pull people away from their true nature.This episode is both philosophical and deeply practical, challenging listeners to question everything, reflect daily, detach from outcomes, and remember who they are.TakeawaysPhilosophy is not abstract theory; at its core, it is the pursuit of clarity.Vedanta teaches the shift from “I am the doer” to “I am the witness.”Love, in Vedantic terms, means seeing no otherness in the world.The most important work we do for others is often the work we do on ourselves.Lack of clarity creates self-sabotage, even for highly skilled people.The intellect must be strengthened so it can guide the mind.False humility can actually be ego in disguise, especially when it avoids boundaries.Attachment to outcomes corrupts action and blocks flow.Duty-bound action asks, “Who am I becoming?” not “What am I getting?”Your true nature is often found by asking what you would do simply to do more of it.Detachment does not reduce engagement; it allows fuller engagement.Daily reflection is the inoculation against attachment, conditioning, and confusion.Chapters00:00 Philosophy Fridays at The Lighthouse03:56 Doer vs. Witness06:28 Clarity, Wisdom, and Love12:57 Inner Work During External Chaos18:54 The World of Opposites22:32 Why Clarity Prevents Self-Sabotage29:10 Mind, Intellect, and Psychology38:57 Selfless Action vs. People-Pleasing44:37 The Bhagavad Gita and Spiritual Bypass50:21 Conditioning and Remembering Who You Are59:23 Finding Your True Nature01:02:48 Attachment, Desire, and Peace01:13:34 Duty-Bound Action01:21:55 Detachment and Full Engagement
Transcribe →Good News, Bad News
3w ago00:12:25Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 95 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:In this episode, James explores the intricate dance of good news and bad news surrounding the concept of beauty in our culture. Join the daily Vedantic reflections as we explore the paradox of being told "you're beautiful just the way you are" while uncovering the deeper truth about our natural state and the transformative power of higher ideals. Discover the philosophy that sees beyond the superficial and find out why treating yourself might not be the ultimate path to true beauty.Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →Perceptions In Time
3w ago00:09:47Tap to summarizeWelcome to Episode 94 of The Daily Vedantic - a free, repeating 2-year course in Advaita Vedanta rooted in the timeless wisdom of the Upanishads. Start with Episode 1 or jump into today’s reflection from wherever you are.This course is designed as a repeating cycle: a simple, modern, daily practice that builds clarity, discipline, and understanding over the course of 2-years. New episodes drop everyday.Resources:• Our weekly newsletter with links, summaries, and events, as well as our 24/7 AI-powered chatbot trained on Advaita Vedanta (and all episode transcripts) that you can use for free, without an account with nearly any question you might have: TheDailyVedantic.com• Vedanta Academy online lectures from the ashram:https://elearning.vedantaworld.org/• Vedanta Treatise, the book that may change everything for you:https://www.amazon.com/Vedanta-Treatise-Eternities-Parthasarathy-Swami/dp/9381094160/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0• The No Nicknames Gita:https://www.amazon.com/nicknames-Bhagavad-Gita-James-Beshara/dp/B0CVK6X991• The Essence of Christ:https://www.amazon.com/Essence-Christ-His-Message-Oneness/dp/B0F46FKW1H• Follow along on Instagram for daily reflections, events, clips from James’ podcast appearances, and live gatherings like our monthly Philosophy Fridays in LA:James Beshara: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjbeshara/The Daily Vedantic: https://www.instagram.com/the_daily_vedantic/Episode Summary:In this episode of The Daily Vedantic, James embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery. Join the exploration of one of the cornerstones of Vedanta philosophy, challenging the common perception that reality is solely defined by what we can perceive. Drawing parallels with the dream state, discover the wisdom that questions the trust we place in our perceptions and challenges us to seek a deeper understanding of existence. Tune in to unravel the illusions of the waking state and gain insights that transcend the boundaries of conventional wisdom.Community:• Share your reflections in the comments — we’d love to hear what resonated.• Sign up to join the Venice Vedanta Club, a monthly in-person community exploring timeless wisdom in LA: https://forms.gle/ZSE1zKRXEfw8pMYb9
Transcribe →