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In this world of strife and anxiety, the opportunity to associate with a traveling Indian sanyasi (Monk) is a great blessing. And if that sanyasi happens to be a well read scholar, it becomes a double blessing, for we can then hear from him the esoteric knowledge of the Vedas presented in a modern context.

Swami Mukundanand finished his B.Tech. from the world-renowned Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. He then completed his MBA from the equally distinguished Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta. After that he worked for some time with one of India's topmost industrial houses.

However, material education did not quench his thirst for knowing the Absolute Truth. The longing for God was so strong that he renounced his career and began traveling throughout India as a sanyasi. Ultimately his search took him to the lotus feet of his Spiritual Master, Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj. He was overawed by the unfathomable scriptural knowledge and ocean of Divine love that he saw manifest in his Gurudev.

Under the guidance of Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj, he practiced intense sadhana while residing at the ashram. He also extensively studied the Vedic scriptures, and the Indian and Western systems of philosophy. On completion of his studies, his Guru entrusted him with the key task of propagating the ancient knowledge about the Eternal Truth, the world over. Ever since he became Maharajji's disciple and a preacher, Swamiji has been traveling far and wide, awakening hundreds of thousands of Seekers. Using perfect logic, and a simple-yet-scientific approach, Swamiji offers new ways of understanding and applying the knowledge of the Scriptures (from the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavatam, Puranas, Bhagavad Geeta, and other Eastern and Western scriptures) in our daily lives. The hallmark of his speech is the ease with which he dispels various myths and misnomers associated with the various paths of God-realization and the ability to penetrate even the toughest minds and convince them with his depth and scriptural veracity.

Swami Mukundanand has now been delivering religious discourses for the last twenty four years, as a preacher of the Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. Along with Swami Prem Yogi, Swami Mukundanand is the co-founder of the Jagadguru Kripalu Yog trust.

In India, Swamiji attracts huge audiences. His simple, scientific and interesting presentation of the philosophy is so powerful that it has changed the lives of thousands of people. He often tours outside India as well. He has inspired thousands of people in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, where his visit is always anxiously awaited. Swamiji visited USA seven years ago, and evoked a tremendous response in every city that he visited.

His lectures cover the teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavatam, Puranas, Bhagavad Geeta, Ramayan, and other Eastern and Western philosophies. Like the true disciple of a true master, Swami Mukundananda masterfully quotes from scriptures of different religions that have the ability to satisfy even the most discerning of knowledge seekers. He also reveals the simple and straightforward way of God-realization which can be practiced by anyone. Another special feature about his lectures is that he establishes every spiritual truth through scriptural quotations, irrefutable logic and humorous real-life illustrations. His wisdom filled anecdotes, humorous stories and clarity has the audience both enthralled and entertained for the entire duration of his lecture!

Swamiji's warmth and humility touch all those who have the fortune to have his association. In fact, his very presence radiates Grace and Bliss.

Lecture Topics
The discourses offered by Swami Mukundanand are specially designed for those people who have unanswered questions about spirituality, and are looking for satisfactory answers. Some of the questions addressed in his lectures are:

• What is the goal of life?
• We are all searching for happiness, yet we remain discontented. Why?
• What is the nature of God? Why is He beyond our intellect, mind and senses?
• What is the Grace of God? How is it attained?
• What is sharanagati or surrender to God?
• Why do we experience lust, anger, greed, envy, illusion etc.? How can they be conquered?
• The Vedas mention three paths to God-realization: karm, gyan and bhakti. What is the difference between them? Who is qualified for which path?
• Do all paths, karm, gyan and bhakti, all lead to the same goal or different goals?
• Is it possible to attain God even while staying in household life? What is the karm yog of the Bhagavad Gita?
• What is the difference between the worship of the personal and the impersonal forms of God?
• What is Divine love and how is it different from worldly love?
• How can one establish a personal relationship with God?
• What is the basis for choosing one's worshipped form of God?
• What do the scriptures say about the need for a Spiritual Master? How do we recognize a genuine Guru?
• What is meditation? How and when should Sadhana (devotional practice) be done?

Bhajans and Kirtans
The most invaluable treasure attainable in the human form is Selfless Divine Love. This Divine love is the culmination of all spiritual knowledge. It is experienced not through the intellect, but through the heart. When our heart melts for our Beloved Lord, an intense longing for His Divine Vision develops. This cleanses the mirror of the mind and destroys its negativities. The consciousness is united with God in love, and the devotee experiences perfect Bliss.

In his programs, Swami Mukundananda chants the sweetest bhajans that inspire devotional love and transport the consciousness to subliminal heights.

Scriptural Confusions Dispelled
The ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads, Shreemad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayan, etc. are all treasure houses of Divine knowledge. They were either directly spoken by God in his various descensions on earth, or were inspired by him in the hearts of the Saints. But when these great scriptures are read individually, they appear to have many contradictions. This has led to much confusion in the minds of people.

In his lectures, Swami Mukundananda answers such questions which have always puzzled people and shows the clear, simple truth. Some of the confusions and contradictions which he addresses are:

• a) God can never be seen or understood by our material senses and intellect because He is Divine.
  b) God can be seen, attained and understood, even through our material senses and intellect. The God-realized Saints in the past have done so.
• a) God is attained through His Grace, and not through our self-effort.
  b) Unless we exert effort and do sadhana, we cannot attain God.
• a) Everything happens by the will of God. Without his inspiration, not even a leaf can move.
  b) We are responsible for our own actions. God is only an impartial judge of our activities.
• a) What we get in this life is the consequence of our actions in past lives. We are all controlled by our destiny.
  b) This world is real and necessary for the maintenance of the body. Without it we cannot live.
• a) This world is mithya or unreal since it is made of maya.
  b) This world is real and necessary for the maintenance of the body. Without it we cannot live.
• a) Liberation from material bondage is the ultimate goal of spirituality.
  b) The desire for liberation is a selfish desire, and only when we give it up can we attain pure Divine love.
• a) Service to man is service to God. One who performs his worldly duties sincerely, does not need to worship God.
  b) Devotion to God is not the same as the performance of worldly duties. It must be separately accomplished.
• a) Our surrender and single-minded devotion should be towards God alone.
  b) Unless we surrender to a Guru, we cannot reach God.
• a) The aim of meditation is to think of God and establish the mind in God.
  b) The aim of meditation is to stop the thinking process and quiet the mind.