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One of the greatest sources of inspiration and nourishment in spiritual life is studying the lives of the Masters who have gone before us. In studying their actions and behaviours, we can see clearly how the highest ideals of spirituality are embodied and expressed in everyday encounters with life. In this lecture, we recount some of the struggles of young Rakhal (later Swami Brahmananda), a direct disciple of the modern day avatar, Paramahansa Ramakrishna in his formative years under the assumption that many of these struggles will have meaning for householders since Rakhal himself was married and had to deal with a father who disapproved of his spirituality. Also, these formative years demonstrate what an authentic spiritual life looks like and highlights the unique relationship between a student (shishya) and a Guru.
May these words serve you!
May this be an offering to Sri Ramakrishna and his disciples!
00:00:00 What Is This Lecture Going To Be About?
00:01:08 The Ideals of Indian Spirituality
00:06:41 Can These Ideals Even Be Achieved By Mere Mortals?
00:10:00 Why Is Swami Brahmananda’s story important to householders?
00:12:12 Swami Vivekananda vs Swami Brahmananda
00:17:52 Can You Be Born Into Spirituality?
00:21:00 Keshab Chandra Sen and the Brahmo Samaj
00:24:38 Who is Paramahansa Ramakrishna? And What is an Avatar?
00:32:15 How Rakhal Came Found Ramakrishna, A Story of Serendipity
00:35:20 An Aside on Reincarnation: Does Spiritual Work In This Life Carry Over?
00:39:00 Who Was Rakhal Before His Incarnation? (And An Aside on True Spiritual Teachers)
00:45:36 Did Ramakrishna have as much of an impact as previous Avatars like Rama and Krishna?
00:49:42 The Different Types of Joys and How To Be Truly Happy (True Spirituality)
00:59:16 How To Deal With Disapproving Parents
01:06:48 Romantic Relationships and Spiritual Life: The Ideal of Householders
01:13:41 How To Find The Ideal Partner for Spiritual Life? (All Conditions Become Favourable To One Who Has Surrendered Fully To The Divine)
01:16:26 Guru and Disciple: Rakhal’s Relationship with Ramakrishna + Spiritual Struggles
01:25:35 Hidden Meanings of Ramakrishna’s Throat Cancer?
01:29:45 Why Do We Call Brahmananda "Raja Maharaj"?
01:32:03 Mystic Experiences
01:36:50 A Prayer to Brahmananda and Reading From "A Guide to Spiritual Life"
SwamiBrahmananda:Spiritual
