Ep. 34: Sadhana - Rituals in Hinduism

In Episode 34, we look at rituals in Hinduism, in a conversation with Shri PVR Narasimha Rao. The English word ritual does not really capture the sense of sacred or meaningful action that is the core of Hinduism. What is the purpose of Sadhana? What place does it hold in Sanatana Dharma? What do the shastras say?

We also touch on the “religious vs. spiritual” debate and understand the importance of both ritual and meditation. How do they help people in living a good life and finally, put them on the path to Moksha?

Shri Rao expounds on the different types of sadhanas in Hinduism which are based on the five elements. How do they differ? Are pranayama and homa/havan the same in principle?

This podcast will give you a deep understanding of Hinduism and the place of rituals (the better word is Sadhana!) Listen till the end for a special message on introducing rituals to children.

Shri PVR Narasimha Rao has BTech from IIT Madra and a Masters from Rice University, USA. He is a senior manager at a US semiconductor company. He is a Jyotish researcher, author, teacher and created a popular free Jyotish software. He is also a Sanskrit scholar, philosopher and teaches homa and other ritiuals. You can find more about his work on teaching homa and other simple rituals at vedicastrolger.org

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Contents of the podcast:

0:00 - Introduction

1:38 - Ritual, Karma, Sadhana, Meditation

20:22 - Types of Sadhana

32:48 - Fear of making a mistake

38:14 - Is Adhikara necessary?

43:05 - Learning how to perform Pooja/Havan

45:37 - Personal Pooja Apparatus

51:33 - Schedule/timing prescribed by Shastras

55:47 - Following Rituals in both letter and spirit

1:04:14 - Advice for parents

1:10:34 - Do It Yourself Info from Speaker

1:13:55 - Hindu Parenting Platform Info

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