Follow My Vedanta Substack: cristianoluchinivedanta.substack.com/

Spirituality, creativity, history, and ancient wisdom.

Contact: cosmicdancerpodcast@gmail.com

My E-book about Kindness on Google Books (in English):
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cristiano_Luchini_Kindness_days?id=1Bq1EAAAQBAJ
I like to call the short stories in the "Kindness days", colourful snapshots of the imagination; small stories imbued with spirituality, emotion and love, accompanied by beautiful illustrations by artists from five continents and as many as 14 countries: Zimbabwe, Albania , Argentina, Palestine, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Iran, Syria, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, New Zealand and Guatemala.

This new series of episodes on the Cosmic Dancer podcast channel aims to disseminate the theoretical teachings of Vedanta philosophy (dating back nearly 7,000 years) through the practical experiences of daily life. This is through the involvement of guests from the world of music, art, literature, science, etc...

Vedanta is not a religion. Vedanta is a philosophy, the Mother of all world philosophies and religions. The Bhagavad Gita is the most representative text of Vedanta, one of the most widely read books ever. We celebrate the teachings of the eminent philosopher Swami Parthasarathy (96 years old), who founded the organization Vedanta Global and has authored numerous best sellers, including Vedanta Treatise - The Eternities and the invaluable commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.

Topic: Unveiling the Truth. Exploring the Significance of Mahavakyas and Neti Neti in Vedanta.
Guest: S.A. Shreedaran, Vedanta teacher, disciple of the eminent Vedanta Philosopher Swami Parthasarathy and Co-founder of Mind & Intellect Organization.

1. What is the significance of the Mahavkyas in Vedanta philosophy? 
2. How can we apply the teachings of the Mahavkyas in our daily lives? 
3. How do the teachings of the Mahavkyas and Neti Neti complement each other in Vedanta philosophy?

Mahavakyas are sacred statements or great sayings from the Upanishads, which are Hindu philosophical texts. They are meant to convey the ultimate truth or reality about the universe and the individual's relationship with it.

"Neti neti" is a Sanskrit phrase that means "not this, not this." It is a way of negating all concepts and attributes in order to arrive at the ultimate truth, which is beyond any description or definition. This approach is often used in Advaita Vedanta, a school of Hindu philosophy, to help individuals realize their true nature as pure consciousness, beyond the limitations of the mind and ego.

- Here my short stories about Kindness (I giorni della gentilezza- Paperback - Italian version)- tinyurl.com/3vfud2c9
- Here my book Learn Māori Culture and Proverbs (Paperback)
tinyurl.com/6zmvz9tt - Version with Full Color Images - www.amazon.com/Learn-M%C4%81ori-…1621334435&sr=8-3 - Poster Maramataka: tinyurl.com/pht4easb
- Here is my book dedicated to Lo-Fi Music (ebook and paperback), tinyurl.com/r2d69dyb - on Amazon USA, UK, INDIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, BRAZIL and other countries.
- Here is my book with illustrated philosophical short stories (ebook and paperback), tinyurl.com/rpcd5c - on Amazon USA, UK, INDIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, BRAZIL and other countries.
- Here is my book Black Book Note www.amazon.com/BLACK-BOOK-NOTE-i…32&s=books&sr=1-1
- Here is my journal dedicated to the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri tinyurl.com/42rt7jjh.
- E-book and Video on www.lofimusic.it.
- Here is my fashion brand dedicated to Spirituality, https://www.redbubble.com/people/Mantra-tshirt/shop

Unveiling the Truth: Exploring the Significance of Mahavakyas and Neti Neti in Vedanta - Episode 110

Follow My Vedanta Substack: cristianoluchinivedanta.substack.com/

Spirituality, creativity, history, and ancient wisdom.

Contact: cosmicdancerpodcast@gmail.com

My E-book about Kindness on Google Books (in English):
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cristiano_Luchini_Kindness_days?id=1Bq1EAAAQBAJ
I like to call the short stories in the "Kindness days", colourful snapshots of the imagination; small stories imbued with spirituality, emotion and love, accompanied by beautiful illustrations by artists from five continents and as many as 14 countries: Zimbabwe, Albania , Argentina, Palestine, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Iran, Syria, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, New Zealand and Guatemala.

Podcast Cover: image taken from a work by Yun Hyong-keun

The Aesthetics of "Ma" in Korean Art and Culture.

The concept of "Ma" (마) is a central aspect of Korean aesthetics and philosophy. Originating from the idea of emptiness or space, "Ma" permeates various forms of art in Korea, including music, painting, poetry, and dance. 

The philosophical foundation of "Ma".

The philosophy of "Ma" is deeply rooted in Korean culture, drawing from Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist thought. At its core, "Ma" represents the idea that emptiness is not an absence or lack of something, but rather a presence that can be utilized to create emotional tension, balance, and harmony. This concept is closely related to the Korean belief in the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of finding equilibrium in life.


- Here my short stories about Kindness (I giorni della gentilezza- Paperback - Italian version)- tinyurl.com/3vfud2c9
- Here my book Learn Māori Culture and Proverbs (Paperback)
tinyurl.com/6zmvz9tt - Version with Full Color Images - www.amazon.com/Learn-M%C4%81ori-…1621334435&sr=8-3 - Poster Maramataka: tinyurl.com/pht4easb
- Here is my book dedicated to Lo-Fi Music (ebook and paperback), tinyurl.com/r2d69dyb - on Amazon USA, UK, INDIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, BRAZIL and other countries.
- Here is my book with illustrated philosophical short stories (ebook and paperback), tinyurl.com/rpcd5c - on Amazon USA, UK, INDIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, BRAZIL and other countries.
- Here is my book Black Book Note www.amazon.com/BLACK-BOOK-NOTE-i…32&s=books&sr=1-1
- Here is my journal dedicated to the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri tinyurl.com/42rt7jjh.
- E-book and Video on www.lofimusic.it.
- Here is my fashion brand dedicated to Spirituality, https://www.redbubble.com/people/Mantra-tshirt/shop

The Power of Silence and Emptiness: The Aesthetics of "Ma" in Korean Art and Culture - Episode 111

Follow My Vedanta Substack: cristianoluchinivedanta.substack.com/

Spirituality, creativity, history, and ancient wisdom.

Contact: cosmicdancerpodcast@gmail.com

My E-book about Kindness on Google Books (in English):
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cristiano_Luchini_Kindness_days?id=1Bq1EAAAQBAJ
I like to call the short stories in the "Kindness days", colourful snapshots of the imagination; small stories imbued with spirituality, emotion and love, accompanied by beautiful illustrations by artists from five continents and as many as 14 countries: Zimbabwe, Albania , Argentina, Palestine, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Iran, Syria, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, New Zealand and Guatemala.

Transferring Sat-Cit-Ananda: Vedanta's Take on Spirit and Matter. Guest: Jayashankar Krishnamurthy, Vedanta Institute of Hyderabad, India.

Iron ball is black in colour and cold to the touch; fire is golden in colour and hot. The colour and the heat of fire penetrate the iron ball when it comes in contact with the fire for a sufficiently long time. So too, when inert and insentient matter is presided over by the Spirit, the Sat-Cit-Ᾱnanda nature of the Spirit gets transferred on to the matter.

1. In Vedanta, what is the significance of the contrast between the black, cold iron ball and the golden, hot fire in the context of understanding the transfer of the Sat-Cit-Ananda nature of the Spirit onto inert matter? 
2. Can you explain further how the Sat-Cit-Ananda nature of the Spirit gets transferred onto inert matter when it is presided over by the Spirit? Are there any prerequisites or conditions that need to be fulfilled in order for this transfer to take place?

- Here my short stories about Kindness (I giorni della gentilezza- Paperback - Italian version)- tinyurl.com/3vfud2c9
- Here my book Learn Māori Culture and Proverbs (Paperback)
tinyurl.com/6zmvz9tt - Version with Full Color Images - www.amazon.com/Learn-M%C4%81ori-…1621334435&sr=8-3 - Poster Maramataka: tinyurl.com/pht4easb
- Here is my book dedicated to Lo-Fi Music (ebook and paperback), tinyurl.com/r2d69dyb - on Amazon USA, UK, INDIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, BRAZIL and other countries.
- Here is my book with illustrated philosophical short stories (ebook and paperback), tinyurl.com/rpcd5c - on Amazon USA, UK, INDIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, BRAZIL and other countries.
- Here is my book Black Book Note www.amazon.com/BLACK-BOOK-NOTE-i…32&s=books&sr=1-1
- Here is my journal dedicated to the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri tinyurl.com/42rt7jjh.
- E-book and Video on www.lofimusic.it.
- Here is my fashion brand dedicated to Spirituality, https://www.redbubble.com/people/Mantra-tshirt/shop

Transferring Satcitananda: Vedanta's Take on Spirit and Matter - Episode 112

Follow My Vedanta Substack: cristianoluchinivedanta.substack.com/

Spirituality, creativity, history, and ancient wisdom.

Contact: cosmicdancerpodcast@gmail.com

My E-book about Kindness on Google Books (in English):
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Cristiano_Luchini_Kindness_days?id=1Bq1EAAAQBAJ
I like to call the short stories in the "Kindness days", colourful snapshots of the imagination; small stories imbued with spirituality, emotion and love, accompanied by beautiful illustrations by artists from five continents and as many as 14 countries: Zimbabwe, Albania , Argentina, Palestine, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Iran, Syria, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, New Zealand and Guatemala.

How to stop living by expectations thanks to Vedanta teachings
Guest: Jayashankar Krishnamurthy, Vedanta Institute of Hyderabad, India.

The philosophy of Vedanta offers valuable insights on how to avoid expectations and illusions in everyday life. In Vedanta, it is believed that our thoughts and actions are influenced by our past experiences, which can create expectations and illusions about the future. Pratipakṣa Bhavana is a practice that helps us overcome these tendencies and cultivate a more peaceful and balanced mental state.

Pratipakṣa Bhavana consists of cultivating a thought or attitude opposite to the negative thoughts or emotions that arise in our mind. For example, if we feel jealous towards someone, we can cultivate a positive thought or attitude towards that person instead of remaining focused on our negative emotions. This practice helps us develop a more balanced and detached perspective on life, allowing us to respond to situations with greater clarity and wisdom.

To avoid expectations and illusions, it is also important to recognize the impermanence of all things. Vedanta teaches us that everything in the universe is subject to change and that attachment to material things and results can lead to suffering. By accepting the impermanence of life, we can free ourselves from the grip of expectations and illusions and live with greater peace and contentment.

Exploring Jigyasu Bhava for Self-Discovery and Spiritual Growth.

Jigyasu Bhava is a Vedanta concept referring to the attitude of a seeker or an inquiring mind that is eager to learn and discover the truth about oneself and the universe. This attitude is essential for spiritual growth and self-discovery. Jigyasu Bhava implies questioning and contemplating the nature of reality and the Self. It encourages us to seek knowledge from reliable sources and reflect on our experiences to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. By cultivating Jigyasu Bhava, we can free ourselves from our limited perspectives and expand our consciousness.

- Here my short stories about Kindness (I giorni della gentilezza- Paperback - Italian version)- tinyurl.com/3vfud2c9
- Here my book Learn Māori Culture and Proverbs (Paperback)
tinyurl.com/6zmvz9tt - Version with Full Color Images - www.amazon.com/Learn-M%C4%81ori-…1621334435&sr=8-3 - Poster Maramataka: tinyurl.com/pht4easb
- Here is my book dedicated to Lo-Fi Music (ebook and paperback), tinyurl.com/r2d69dyb - on Amazon USA, UK, INDIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, BRAZIL and other countries.
- Here is my book with illustrated philosophical short stories (ebook and paperback), tinyurl.com/rpcd5c - on Amazon USA, UK, INDIA, JAPAN, GERMANY, BRAZIL and other countries.
- Here is my book Black Book Note www.amazon.com/BLACK-BOOK-NOTE-i…32&s=books&sr=1-1
- Here is my journal dedicated to the great Italian poet Dante Alighieri tinyurl.com/42rt7jjh.
- E-book and Video on www.lofimusic.it.
- Here is my fashion brand dedicated to Spirituality, https://www.redbubble.com/people/Mantra-tshirt/shop

How to stop living by expectations thanks to Vedanta teachings - Episode 113

Follow My Vedanta Substack: cristianoluchinivedanta.substack.com/

Spirituality, creativity, history, and ancient wisdom.

Contact: cosmicdancerpodcast@gmail.com

Podcast with Jayashankar Krishnamurthy, Director of the Vedanta Institute of Hyderabad, India.

Topic: Learn, Unlearn, Relearn.

"The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." - Alvin Toffler   

Learning is an enjoyable experience when we pursue topics that genuinely interest us. Each day, we gain new insights and knowledge, though some subjects require more time and effort to master. However, the real challenge for people lies in unlearning - letting go of ingrained beliefs and habitual behaviors to make room for new ones. 

Unlearning is like scraping off the old paint before applying a fresh coat or clearing land to prepare the soil for new plants. The cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning is crucial for personal growth and progress. Unlearning liberates us from harmful assumptions and negative patterns of behavior. It necessitates time and introspection. People encounter this process when transitioning to new life stages or work settings. Unlearning allows us to break free from outdated paradigms and embrace new possibilities.  

In new environments, people have opportunities to explore, interact, and pursue their interests. As old assumptions crumble, creativity, critical thinking, and curiosity blossom. Unlearning is key to igniting our minds and unleashing human potential.   

The Vedanta philosophy emphasizes that our true self (Atman) is infinite and beyond any limiting beliefs or identities. By recognizing our true nature as limitless consciousness, we can release rigid attachments to beliefs and remain open to new ideas. Vedanta teaches that the self is the impartial witness, unchanged amidst the ever-changing world. By abiding as a witness, we can adapt to change with an open and receptive mind.   

The "neti neti" principle encourages us to negate the limiting attributes of the world to realize our true selves. This helps us let go of preconceptions and cultivate a beginner's mind. When we reject identifying with the impermanent attributes of the body, mind, and world, we remain as open, infinite consciousness - the true self.  This allows for a fresh start and new beginnings.

Vedanta highlights the impermanence of the world, mind, and body. Everything in the manifested world is constantly changing. When we recognize this truth, we understand there are no rigid beliefs or ideas to cling to. We see that everything is relative and subject to change. This fosters humility, adaptability, and a willingness to release assumptions - essential qualities for continuous learning and growth.   

Alvin Toffler's statement holds true: in the future, illiteracy won't result from an inability to read or write but from an inability to learn, unlearn, and relearn. So let's embrace the power of unlearning and embark on a transformative journey of relearning, growth, and new discoveries.

Learn, Unlearn, Relearn: The Path to Progress - Episode 114

Follow My Vedanta Substack: cristianoluchinivedanta.substack.com/

Spirituality, creativity, history, and ancient wisdom.

Contact: cosmicdancerpodcast@gmail.com

It was great to discuss via podcast with Dr. Jayashankar Krishnamurthy, Director of the Vedanta Institute in Hyderabad, India, and Prof. Tim O'Keefe, an expert in Hellenistic philosophies and Epicureanism, at Georgia State University in the USA. We reflected on the analogies and differences between Vedanta philosophy and Epicureanism. It's interesting to note the similarities in terms of the emphasis on the role of intellect in transcending desires and worldly attachments. The role of friendship is fundamental in Epicureanism, as it is in Vedanta through the concept of Sajjanasaṅgati, or union with the virtuous. 
Prof. O'Keefe explained the basic principles of Epicureanism, dispelling certain contemporary misconceptions that identify it as a form of hedonism propagated by isolated individuals, thus detached from society. Pleasure is essentially identified as the absence of pain, and inner peace (ataraxia) derived from worldly attachments, rather than a pursuit of material satisfaction. On the other hand, Dr Krishnamurthy introduced Vedanta as a philosophy that lives and permeates society, which empowers the individual and does not view them solely as a yogi meditating in the caves of the Himalayas, as the stereotypes about India often depict. 
Undoubtedly, there are metaphysical divergences between Vedanta and Epicureanism, where the Vedantic view of Brahman, Atman, and reality as an illusion (Maya) contrasts with the Epicurean universe composed of atoms and void, and the notion of the soul as a material and mortal element. According to Advaita Vedanta, Brahman and Atman are considered identical. Brahman represents the absolute, supreme and transcendent reality, while Atman is the individual, the inner essence of every being. The perspective of Advaita Vedanta maintains that the distinction between Brahman and Atman is illusory and that, in reality, they are the same fundamental reality. The analogy between the Epicurean notion of cultivating a stock of positive memories to be used during negative moments in life and the pratipakṣa bhavana technique in Vedanta is interesting. It leads to a more peaceful and balanced state of mind. Pratipakṣa Bhavana involves cultivating a thought or attitude opposite to the negative thoughts or emotions that arise in our mind. 
Of course, the podcast did not aim to cover all possible points of contact and divergence between Vedanta and Epicureanism, but I am certain that it will provide you with numerous points for reflection, as it did for me. Let me conclude with two quotes, one from the Vedas and one from Epicurus, on detachment from worldly pleasures.

"One who is not disturbed in mind even amidst the threefold miseries or elated when there is happiness, and who is free from attachment, fear and anger, is called a sage of steady mind." 

(Bhagavad Gita, 2.56)

"It is impossible to live well without living sensibly, nobly and justly;  and it is impossible to live sensibly, nobly and justly without living pleasantly." 
 
(Epicurus, Letter to Menoeceus)

A Dialogue Between Vedanta and Epicureanism, with Prof. Tim O'Keefe - Episode 115

Spirituality, creativity, history and ancient wisdom.
Follow me on Substack: https://cristianoluchinivedanta.substack.com/

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