Welcome to the Ask Sadhviji podcast! This special episode was recorded live on Day 2 of The Freedom Within Retreat at De Vere Horsley in the UK, where Sadhviji explores one of the most important questions on the spiritual path: what actually makes us happy?
We spend so much of our lives chasing the next thing we believe will make us happy—more money, success, recognition, experiences, relationships, possessions, or simply the next little hit of pleasure. But what happens when we begin to look more deeply at where lasting joy really comes from?
Drawing on the wisdom of yoga and Vedanta, as well as insights from modern science, Sadhviji explores the difference between wanting and happiness, and why constantly reaching for the next moment can keep us from experiencing the one we are actually in.
She also explores the mind through the ancient metaphor of the chariot, the three challenges of the mind and the practices that help us work with them. The session culminates in the story of Nachiketa from the Katha Upanishad and the distinction between shreyas, the path of what is ultimately good for us, and preyas, the path of what feels good in the moment.
Tune in to hear Sadhviji explore:
- Why the things we think will make us happy often don't
- The difference between wanting, pleasure and true happiness
- What modern science can teach us about the brain's desire and reward pathways
- Why constantly anticipating the next moment can keep us from the present
- The ancient chariot analogy and what it teaches us about the senses, mind and higher wisdom
- The three challenges of the mind: mal, vikshepa and avaran
- How Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja Yoga and Gyan Yoga help us work with the mind
- Why dharma, purpose and meaning offer a deeper source of joy
- The story of Nachiketa and his encounter with Yama
- The difference between shreyas and preyas
- How to bring this teaching into the choices and decisions we make every day
A beautiful invitation to look at the choices in front of us and ask: What is truly for my highest good?
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Bio:
Sadhviji has devoted her life to guiding individuals in liberating themselves from self-limiting beliefs and...
