Thinking Bhakti

Why is it that despite doing all the "right" spiritual work — the meditation, the yoga, the reading, the workshops — we still feel empty and frustrated?

In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta explores the trap of "Spiritual Consumerism." For many of us, especially in an impatient results-oriented world, we’ve been conditioned to think of the Divine as a vending machine: if we put in the time, the effort, or the money, we expect an immediate "hit" of peace and love in return. It is this misunderstanding of the nature of spirituality and God that keeps us chasing the elusive experience of spiritual fulfillment.

Drawing on the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the social critique of Erich Fromm, Swami discusses why a "quick fix" approach to these issues always leads to a dead end. Instead, we explore how to move from a transactional relationship to a service-based relationship, shifting from the limited and superficial "having" into the real and fulfilling "being".

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Why is it that for so many people, the "smarter" they are, the harder it is to have a relationship with God?

In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta explore the internal friction between two archetypes we all carry: The Rationalist and The Poet. The Rationalist demands facts, logic, and efficiency. But the Poet doesn't allow those things to limit what the heart feels. 

Drawing on the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the Western philosophy, Swami discusses why you don’t have to abandon your intellect to become a devotee. Instead, we explore how to marry the "Rationalist" who reasons with the "Poet" who loves.

If you’ve ever felt like a "spectator" in your own spiritual life—watching and critiquing from the sidelines but never actually getting on the court—this video is for you.
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Bhakti Yoga Changed My Life
In this episode, Swami Revatikaanta sits down with Bhagawati Dasi, a yoga teacher and Bhakti practitioner, to explore how yoga can return to its authentic roots beyond trends and business. Together, they discuss the commercialization of yoga in the West, the loss of depth in modern practice, and how Bhakti Yoga offers a path back to sincerity and spiritual connection.

Bhagawati Dasi shares her experience teaching yoga in New York City, reflecting on how inner transformation and devotion can be integrated into daily life. The conversation touches on the importance of community, mindfulness, and keeping spiritual intention alive in a world driven by image and success.
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What if someone in your family started doing things no one could explain?

In this episode, we hear the personal account of someone who grew up with Paramahamsa Vishwananda — not as a distant guru, but as a close friend. From sacred ash (vibhuti) appearing on photos to spontaneous spiritual visions, these aren’t stories from books — they’re real experiences. Joined by Swami Revatikaanta and Mayuran, we explore key moments, including Ravi’s encounter with the Divine Mother — a life-changing experience that later continued with a darshan of Lord Narasimha.

The life of Paramahamsa Vishwananda continues to inspire and reminds us that the Divine is still fully alive today — touching not just one life, but many.
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https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial

In this episode of Thinking Bhakti, Swami Revatikaanta speaks with Swami Tulsidas about spiritual life, creativity, and community-building.

They begin with the story behind the podcast—how it started in the ashram with limited resources and a basic setup. Swami Tulsidas shares what pushed him to keep recording despite the challenges.

The conversation moves into personal reflections on discovering Paramahamsa Vishwananda and building a devotional path without a ready-made community. They discuss the effort it takes to keep serving and growing spiritually even when things are far from ideal.

One focus is the role of prayer—not as obligation, but as something natural and meaningful. Another is the Tulsi plant, its place at Shree Peetha Nilaya, and how respecting it deepens the experience of bhakti.

They also reflect on tradition, etiquette, and how spiritual practice becomes personal over time, even when it feels complex at first.
Watch Thinking Bhakti on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@SwamiRevatikaantaofficial