Video #292: The transformative power of surrender | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.17

In this episode of the podcast Abhinabha and Vajin explore the profound concept of surrender in the spiritual life. They discuss how surrender is not only yielding to the Divine Will, but also involves a deep understanding of prosperity and adversity as essential paths to growth. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of unconditional surrender, the relationship between surrender and devotion, and how true surrender leads to a life of service and connection with the universe. Through various analogies and insights, they illustrate the transformative power of surrender and its role in personal and spiritual development. During the conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the profound themes of surrender, service, and authenticity. They discuss the importance of contributing to the world, the challenges of surrendering self-deception, and the journey towards true integrity. The dialogue delves into the concept of changing one’s ‘boss’ from ego to soul, the interconnectedness of life, and the significance of individual roles in the universe. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the transformative power of acceptance and the beauty of surrendering to the divine orchestration of life.

Takeaways:

  • Surrender is a deep and complex subject that requires years of practice.
  • True surrender involves accepting both prosperity and adversity with equanimity.
  • Unconditional surrender is the highest form of surrender, where one accepts all experiences as necessary for growth.
  • The universe is friendly and wants to see us flourish, even through adversity.
  • Failures can be seen as opportunities for growth and spiritual progress.
  • Surrender transforms life into a journey of infinite progress.
  • Devotion is an intense love for the divine, and surrender is a deeper expression of that love.
  • Surrender involves letting go of the lower parts of our being to connect with the higher self.
  • Awakening the heart is essential for spiritual growth and surrender.
  • True surrender leads to a life of service and connection with the universe.
  • Service makes you happy in the long term.
  • Surrendering self-deception is a challenging but necessary step.
  • Authenticity requires facing our deepest truths.
  • Surrendering to a higher power can lead to personal growth.
  • We all have a unique role in the universe’s tapestry.
  • Near-death experiences can provide profound insights into surrender.
  • Resistance causes suffering; acceptance brings peace.
  • Surrender is a lifelong journey of letting go.
  • Our lives are interconnected like threads in a tapestry.
  • Embracing surrender allows us to play our part in the divine orchestra.

For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #291: Seeing the good in others: a philosophy for the next 1000 years | The Acceptance of Life, Ep.16

Abhinabha and Vajin discuss the philosophy for the new millennium as articulated by Sri Chinmoy. They explore the unprecedented rate of change in the modern world, the importance of oneness and world peace, and the role of happiness and service in achieving a fulfilling life. The conversation delves into the significance of the new millennium, the stories that shape human experience, and the need for a collective consciousness that aims for harmony and unity among all beings. In this conversation, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the evolution of consciousness, the significance of the multiverse theory, and the impact of historical revolutions on human development. They discuss the cognitive revolution, the agricultural revolution, and the role of great spiritual teachers throughout history. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of community, acceptance, and the shift from a judgmental mindset to one of love and understanding in the new millennium. They highlight the need for a deeper connection with the heart and the transformative power of spirituality in modern life.

Takeaways:

  • The philosophy for the new millennium emphasizes seeing the good in others.
  • Rapid changes in technology and society create new challenges for humanity.
  • Oneness is recognizing our shared consciousness despite our differences.
  • Happiness should not be the goal; living a good life is paramount.
  • Pessimistic predictions often distract from positive action and growth.
  • The new millennium offers an opportunity for spiritual growth and transformation.
  • Stories shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.
  • World peace and oneness are essential goals for humanity’s future.
  • The evolution of consciousness is a journey from simplicity to complexity.
  • The potential for harm increases with technological advancement, necessitating wisdom.
  • The multiverse theory can be seen as a lazy explanation for existence.
  • The evolution of consciousness is a significant theme in human history.
  • The cognitive revolution marked a turning point in human self-awareness.
  • The agricultural revolution initiated a major shift in human society.
  • Great spiritual teachers have played a crucial role in guiding humanity.
  • The past millennium was marked by judgment and division.
  • The new millennium calls for acceptance and love in communities.
  • Spirituality is about embracing life and transformation.
  • The heart should guide our understanding of spirituality, not the mind.
  • The future holds promise for a more connected and conscious humanity.

For more information about events, visit the official website: www.srichinmoycentre.org.
To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.

Video #266: On Gotwits and Sarcophagi – The Travel Episode | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.07

In this conversation, Vajin shares his transformative experiences during his travels to Egypt and India, focusing on the profound connections he made with ancient sites, the power of meditation, and the spiritual lessons learned through personal encounters. He emphasizes the importance of being present, the weight of the heart in moral decisions, and the ability to connect with others through love and awareness. The discussion also touches on the significance of loss and how it can lead to deeper insights and growth. 

Takeaways:

  • Vajin felt a strong calling to visit the pyramids in Egypt, which he discovered was geographically significant on his journey.
  • Meditation at the pyramids allowed Vajin to connect deeply with the ancient site and its mysteries.
  • The Egyptian belief in the heart’s weight during judgment reflects a timeless moral lesson about living a light-hearted life.
  • Experiencing art in museums can create a sense of time travel, connecting us with the creators of the past.
  • Being fully present in the moment can unlock profound experiences and insights.
  • Spiritual connections can occur in everyday interactions, revealing deeper truths about ourselves and others.
  • Loss can lead to unexpected blessings and insights about our attachments to material possessions.
  • Every situation in life has a unique solution that can lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
  • The interconnectedness of all lives creates a tapestry of experiences that shape our journeys.
  • Embracing small losses throughout life can prepare us for the ultimate transition of death.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #264: The Progress-Based Lifestyle | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.06

In this episode, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the profound differences between success and progress, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from inner growth rather than external achievements. They discuss cultural perceptions of success, the illusion of security it provides, and the importance of embracing uncertainty. Personal anecdotes highlight resilience in the face of loss and the valuable lessons learned from failure. The conversation also touches on the significance of competition, the philosophy of Gaman – the Japanese notion to endure suffering with dignity – and the importance of aligning your values with your pursuits. They explore the themes of competition, community, and personal growth through the lens of running and life experiences. They discuss how competition can be a source of motivation and self-improvement, the importance of self-compassion, and the need to see the divine in oneself and others. The conversation also delves into the concept of the Gen-Z term ‘sigma male’ as a new paradigm of success, emphasizing authenticity over traditional measures of achievement. Practical steps for living a progress-based life are outlined, including the power of gratitude and the importance of trusting one’s intuition.

Takeaways:

  • Success is often a static goal, while progress is a dynamic journey.  
  • Cultural narratives shape our understanding of success and happiness.  
  • True security cannot be found in material wealth or fame.  
  • Experiencing loss can lead to profound personal growth and resilience.  
  • Failure provides valuable feedback for future success.  
  • Embracing uncertainty is essential for a fulfilling life.  
  • The journey of self-discovery is more important than the destination.  
  • Inner values should guide our pursuits, not societal expectations.  
  • Competition can be a tool for personal growth rather than ego fulfillment.  
  • Practicing Gaman helps endure challenges with dignity and grace. 
  • Competition can motivate us to bring out our best.  
  • Running teaches us about community and shared challenges.  
  • Life is fundamentally a cooperative endeavor.  
  • Self-compassion is crucial for personal growth.  
  • Seeing the divine in ourselves fosters self-respect.  
  • Gratitude shifts our focus from lack to abundance.  
  • Intuition is the voice of our higher self.  
  • Living authentically leads to deeper connections.  
  • We often treat ourselves worse than we treat others.  
  • Choosing a friendly universe fosters a positive mindset.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #255: Acceptance – Embracing the Journey of Life | The Acceptance of Life Podcast Ep. 01

Vajin and Abhinabha have launched The Acceptance of Life Podcast, a fresh and insightful series diving into the depths of spirituality and the challenges and triumphs of living a spiritual life. Targeted at seekers from all walks of life, the podcast offers weekly episodes packed with personal experiences and thought-provoking discussions inspired by Sri Chinmoy’s Path.

In the inaugural episode of the Acceptance of Life podcast, hosts Abhinabha Tangerman and Vajin Armstrong explore the profound concept of acceptance as a transformative force in life. They discuss how acceptance is not a passive resignation but an active engagement with life that leads to personal growth and spiritual development. Through personal anecdotes, including experiences in running, they illustrate the importance of embracing challenges and the joy that comes from living fully in the present moment. Takeaways:

  • Acceptance is a proactive approach to life.
  • Transformation comes from embracing reality as it is.
  • Spiritual growth requires facing challenges head-on.
  • Community plays a vital role in spiritual development.
  • Running can be a spiritual practice that teaches self-discovery.
  • Every experience is an opportunity for acceptance and growth.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #145: Running For Self-Transcendence | Rich Roll Podcast

Sanjay Rawal is human rights activist & award-winning documentary filmmaker. His newest film — “3100: Run and Become” — captures the esoteric, spiritual side of running with the Marathon Monks of Mt. Hiei in Japan, the Kalahari bushmen in Africa, the Navajo Nation in Arizona, the forests of Finland and the streets of NYC, tracking the famed Self -Transcendence 3100 Mile Run. This is a conversation about running as a path for enlightenment. Enjoy!

To learn more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit: www.srichinmoy.org.