Category: The Acceptance of Life Podcast

Video #269: Love People And Use Things – The Money Episode | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.09

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In this episode of the Acceptance of Life podcast, hosts Abhinabha and Vajin delve into the multifaceted topic of money, exploring its nature, value, and the stories we tell about it. They discuss the spiritual and earthly perspectives on money, the evolution from barter to currency, and the impact of money on happiness and security. The conversation highlights the measurement problem, emphasizing that while money is a representation of value, it often oversimplifies the complexities of life. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to reflect on what truly matters beyond monetary wealth. 

In this conversation, the speakers explore the complex relationship between wealth, happiness, and personal fulfillment. They discuss the illusion that more money equates to greater happiness, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s desires and aspirations. The conversation delves into the distinction between living a desire-driven life versus an aspiration-driven life, using analogies such as the crocodile to illustrate the dangers of unchecked desires. They also touch on the abundance versus scarcity mindset, highlighting how one’s beliefs about wealth can shape their reality. Ultimately, the discussion concludes with the idea that while wealth can provide opportunities, it also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. 

Abhinabha and Vajin explore the intricate relationship between wealth, mindset, and spiritual fulfillment. They discuss the importance of trusting the universe, shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, and the role of self-giving in achieving true happiness. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of intention and integrity in earning money, and how focusing on love and connection can lead to a more meaningful life. Ultimately, they reflect on the cosmic game of life, encouraging listeners to pay attention to their experiences and learn from them.

Takeaways

  • Money can be seen from both spiritual and earthly perspectives.
  • Householders balance family responsibilities with spiritual life.
  • Money is inherently worthless without the stories we tell about it.
  • The value of money is based on societal trust and acceptance.
  • Money is a supernatural construct, not found in nature.
  • Transactions in money are poor representations of real-life experiences.
  • Happiness can increase with income up to a certain point.
  • Focusing solely on money can lead to oversimplification of life.
  • The measurement problem can distort our understanding of success.
  • True happiness comes from understanding what we truly want in life. 
  • Falling back into the game of wealth can be easy.
  • Reality often doesn’t match our idealised expectations.
  • Happiness is not solely dependent on external circumstances.
  • Desire can lead to suffering, as per spiritual teachings.
  • The desire life can be likened to keeping a pet crocodile.
  • Living with fears can reduce their power over us.
  • People often sacrifice their time for jobs they dislike.
  • Crisis can be a catalyst for positive change.
  • Your mindset shapes your experience of reality.
  • Wealth requires constant management to maintain its value. Trust in the universe to provide for you.
  • Shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset.
  • Money is a tool to lead a fulfilling life.
  • Self-giving leads to true happiness and fulfillment.
  • Intention matters in how we earn our living.
  • Love people and use things, not the other way around.
  • You can only enjoy one beautiful experience at a time.
  • Check in with your conscience regularly.
  • The universe is friendly and supportive of your success.
  • Pay attention to the lessons life offers you.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #267: The Flood Is Always Coming – The Challenge Episode | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Episode.08

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In this episode, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the concept of challenges in life, discussing their importance for personal growth and spiritual progress. They delve into the nature of challenges, how they shape character, and the necessity of acceptance and patience in overcoming them. The conversation emphasizes that challenges are relative and personal and that facing them can lead to deeper self-discovery and resilience. The hosts also highlight the significance of peace of mind and acceptance as foundational qualities in navigating life’s difficulties. They explore the concept of patience as an active process rather than a passive waiting game. They discuss how patience can help navigate challenges, emphasizing the importance of being present and accepting the current moment. Vajin shares a personal story from his travels in Kashmir, illustrating the lessons learned from adversity and the power of maintaining calmness in difficult situations. The discussion highlights the transformative nature of experiences that test our patience and resilience, ultimately revealing deeper insights about ourselves. Takeaways:

  • Challenges are essential for personal growth and character development.
  • Life begins and ends with challenges, marking significant transitions.
  • Acceptance is the first step in dealing with challenges.
  • Peace of mind helps in facing challenges effectively.
  • Patience is a valuable quality often misunderstood in modern society.
  • Challenges are relative and personal; what is challenging for one may not be for another.
  • Facing challenges can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and its beauty.
  • We need to engineer challenges in our lives to avoid becoming complacent.
  • The universe trusts us to handle the challenges we face.
  • Experiencing darkness can enhance our understanding of light and joy.
  • Patience is an active process, not just waiting.
  • Impatience often leads to trying to force outcomes.
  • The goals we pursue want us to achieve them.
  • Being present allows for better decision-making.
  • Acceptance is key to overcoming difficulties.
  • The universe is supportive of our journeys.
  • Difficult experiences can reveal our true character.
  • Maintaining calmness in adversity is crucial.
  • Every challenge can lead to personal growth.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #266: On Gotwits and Sarcophagi – The Travel Episode | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.07

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In this conversation, Vajin shares his transformative experiences during his travels to Egypt and India, focusing on the profound connections he made with ancient sites, the power of meditation, and the spiritual lessons learned through personal encounters. He emphasizes the importance of being present, the weight of the heart in moral decisions, and the ability to connect with others through love and awareness. The discussion also touches on the significance of loss and how it can lead to deeper insights and growth. 

Takeaways:

  • Vajin felt a strong calling to visit the pyramids in Egypt, which he discovered was geographically significant on his journey.
  • Meditation at the pyramids allowed Vajin to connect deeply with the ancient site and its mysteries.
  • The Egyptian belief in the heart’s weight during judgment reflects a timeless moral lesson about living a light-hearted life.
  • Experiencing art in museums can create a sense of time travel, connecting us with the creators of the past.
  • Being fully present in the moment can unlock profound experiences and insights.
  • Spiritual connections can occur in everyday interactions, revealing deeper truths about ourselves and others.
  • Loss can lead to unexpected blessings and insights about our attachments to material possessions.
  • Every situation in life has a unique solution that can lead to spiritual growth and understanding.
  • The interconnectedness of all lives creates a tapestry of experiences that shape our journeys.
  • Embracing small losses throughout life can prepare us for the ultimate transition of death.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #264: The Progress-Based Lifestyle | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep.06

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In this episode, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the profound differences between success and progress, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from inner growth rather than external achievements. They discuss cultural perceptions of success, the illusion of security it provides, and the importance of embracing uncertainty. Personal anecdotes highlight resilience in the face of loss and the valuable lessons learned from failure. The conversation also touches on the significance of competition, the philosophy of Gaman – the Japanese notion to endure suffering with dignity – and the importance of aligning your values with your pursuits. They explore the themes of competition, community, and personal growth through the lens of running and life experiences. They discuss how competition can be a source of motivation and self-improvement, the importance of self-compassion, and the need to see the divine in oneself and others. The conversation also delves into the concept of the Gen-Z term ‘sigma male’ as a new paradigm of success, emphasizing authenticity over traditional measures of achievement. Practical steps for living a progress-based life are outlined, including the power of gratitude and the importance of trusting one’s intuition.

Takeaways:

  • Success is often a static goal, while progress is a dynamic journey.  
  • Cultural narratives shape our understanding of success and happiness.  
  • True security cannot be found in material wealth or fame.  
  • Experiencing loss can lead to profound personal growth and resilience.  
  • Failure provides valuable feedback for future success.  
  • Embracing uncertainty is essential for a fulfilling life.  
  • The journey of self-discovery is more important than the destination.  
  • Inner values should guide our pursuits, not societal expectations.  
  • Competition can be a tool for personal growth rather than ego fulfillment.  
  • Practicing Gaman helps endure challenges with dignity and grace. 
  • Competition can motivate us to bring out our best.  
  • Running teaches us about community and shared challenges.  
  • Life is fundamentally a cooperative endeavor.  
  • Self-compassion is crucial for personal growth.  
  • Seeing the divine in ourselves fosters self-respect.  
  • Gratitude shifts our focus from lack to abundance.  
  • Intuition is the voice of our higher self.  
  • Living authentically leads to deeper connections.  
  • We often treat ourselves worse than we treat others.  
  • Choosing a friendly universe fosters a positive mindset.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #262: Reincarnation – The Journey of the Soul | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep. 05

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In this episode of the Acceptance of Life podcast hosts Abhinabha and Vajin delve into the profound topic of reincarnation, exploring its implications on the journey of the soul. They discuss scientific perspectives, childhood memories of past lives, and the skepticism surrounding reincarnation. The conversation evolves into the purpose of existence, the evolution of consciousness, and the concept of a cosmic game that gives meaning to life. Through engaging anecdotes and philosophical insights, they invite listeners to reflect on the nature of existence and the journey of the soul. Abhinabha and Vajin further explore the concept of the cosmic game, discussing the nature of time, the balance of good and evil, and the importance of optimal difficulty in life’s challenges. They delve into the significance of stories in reflecting the cosmic game, the journey of reincarnation, and the nature of consciousness. The discussion also touches on panpsychism, the courage to incarnate, and the role of spiritual masters in guiding individuals towards enlightenment. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of finding meaning despite of suffering and the ongoing journey of awakening. Takeaways:

  • Reincarnation is a widely accepted concept in spirituality.
  • Children often have detailed memories of past lives.
  • Scientific research has documented cases of verified past life memories.
  • The soul’s journey involves experiencing itself through various forms of existence.
  • Skepticism towards reincarnation from religious beliefs.
  • The journey of the soul is to know itself fully in the material world.
  • The evolution of consciousness progresses through different life forms.
  • The cosmic game provides purpose and meaning to existence.
  • Suffering in life must have a worthwhile purpose in the cosmic game.
  • The hard problem of consciousness remains a significant philosophical question.
  • The universe has an infinite timeline for exploration.
  • Optimal difficulty in life enhances engagement and growth.
  • The balance of good and evil is essential for a meaningful existence.
  • Human stories often reflect the cosmic game of good versus evil.
  • The divine hides from us to make the game of life challenging.
  • Consciousness exists in all spheres of the universe.
  • Reincarnation allows for continuous spiritual growth across lifetimes.
  • Spiritual masters provide guidance for navigating life’s challenges.
  • Finding meaning in suffering can transform our experiences.
  • The journey of awakening is ongoing and requires active participation.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #260: This Year Could Be The Last One – The Time Episode | The Acceptance of Life Podcast, Ep. 04

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In this episode of the Acceptance of Life podcast, Abhinabha Tangerman and Vajin delve into the complex nature of time, exploring how our perceptions shape our experiences and behaviors. They discuss the concept of the eternal now, the impact of self-awareness, and the dangers of delayed gratification. The conversation emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and how our actions today create the ripples of our past. They also touch on the balance between material and spiritual fulfillment, the journey of rediscovery, and the necessity of self-awareness in human experience. They further explore the themes of personal transformation, the impact of trauma, the importance of mindfulness, and the role of conscience in decision-making. How we as individuals need to take agency over our lives by making conscious choices in the present, regardless of past experiences. The dialogue also emphasizes the value of time, the necessity of being a generalist rather than a specialist, and the evolving nature of creativity in today’s society, where quantity often trumps quality.

Takeaways:

  • Time is a complex concept that influences our behavior.
  • Living in the present moment is essential for happiness.
  • Self-awareness can lead to both growth and suffering.
  • Delayed gratification often prevents us from enjoying life.
  • Our past is shaped by our present actions, not the other way around.
  • The fall from paradise symbolizes the journey to self-awareness.
  • We create suffering through anticipation of future problems.
  • Spiritual fulfillment is as important as material success.
  • Perfection is an ongoing process of self-improvement.
  • Children embody a natural state of being in the present.
  • Change your actions in the now to transform your past.
  • Trauma can affect present choices, but agency remains.
  • Mindfulness enhances decision-making and presence.
  • Conscience guides us toward better choices.
  • Living as if each year is your last can inspire action.
  • Being a generalist allows for a richer life experience.
  • Self-giving fosters community and connection.
  • Creativity today values quantity over quality.
  • Each moment is an opportunity for better choices.
  • The world is a great teacher if we pay attention.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #258: Human Flourishing & The Crime of the Century | The Acceptance of Life Podcast Ep. 03

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Abhinabha and Vajin discuss the concept of human flourishing, emphasizing the importance of establishing a solid and disciplined inner practice of meditation. They explore how connecting with one’s true self, following the guidance of the heart and setting intentions can transform daily experiences and interactions. The conversation delves into the role of stories in shaping identity, the mind’s function as a filter, and the interconnectedness of all spiritual qualities. They highlight the significance of taking responsibility for one’s reality and the potential for growth through adversity. The episode concludes with key takeaways on how to cultivate a fulfilling life through awareness and intentionality. Takeaways:

  • Human flourishing involves bringing forth our inner wealth.
  • Building a solid meditation practice is essential for spiritual growth.
  • Connecting with your true self is key to personal transformation.
  • Meditation and breathwork help center and connect us with our deeper being.
  • The mind can be a reactive force; awareness helps us respond consciously.
  • Intention plays a crucial role in shaping our experiences.
  • Stories we tell ourselves shape our identity and reality.
  • We have the power to create our own reality through consciousness.
  • Nature provides a different pace that can help us slow down and reflect.
  • Every moment is an invitation to make choices that align with our true selves.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #257: You are the Big Bang – 3 Models of the Universe | The Acceptance of Life Podcast Ep. 02

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In this episode, Abhinabha and Vajin explore the eternal question of ‘Who am I?’ but also touch upon some interesting follow-up questions, such as ‘Where am I?’ and ‘What am I?’ They discuss 3 separate models of the universe: the mechanical, the natural and the Divine Lila or Play. Which universe you choose to live in will determine how you interact with the world and how you derive meaning from your life.

They also share stories from their personal lives of how their souls guided them to their current jobs and how we can train yourselves to start listening to the deeper parts of our nature. 

Takeaways:

  • The question ‘Who am I?’ is fundamental to self-discovery.
  • Understanding ‘Who am I?’ can lead to understanding the universe.
  • We are all interconnected through morphic fields of resonance.
  • Our identity is shaped by our experiences and beliefs.
  • We are spiritual beings having a human experience.
  • The heart serves as a powerful tool for guidance.
  • We have a responsibility to create a meaningful existence.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org

Video #255: Acceptance – Embracing the Journey of Life | The Acceptance of Life Podcast Ep. 01

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Vajin and Abhinabha have launched The Acceptance of Life Podcast, a fresh and insightful series diving into the depths of spirituality and the challenges and triumphs of living a spiritual life. Targeted at seekers from all walks of life, the podcast offers weekly episodes packed with personal experiences and thought-provoking discussions inspired by Sri Chinmoy’s Path.

In the inaugural episode of the Acceptance of Life podcast, hosts Abhinabha Tangerman and Vajin Armstrong explore the profound concept of acceptance as a transformative force in life. They discuss how acceptance is not a passive resignation but an active engagement with life that leads to personal growth and spiritual development. Through personal anecdotes, including experiences in running, they illustrate the importance of embracing challenges and the joy that comes from living fully in the present moment. Takeaways:

  • Acceptance is a proactive approach to life.
  • Transformation comes from embracing reality as it is.
  • Spiritual growth requires facing challenges head-on.
  • Community plays a vital role in spiritual development.
  • Running can be a spiritual practice that teaches self-discovery.
  • Every experience is an opportunity for acceptance and growth.

To find out more about Sri Chinmoy, please visit the official website: www.srichinmoy.org