The Sapta Rishis (the seven primordial sages) are mysterious figures whose spiritual luminescence has sparked the Hindu imagination for thousands of years.
Said to have been born directly from the mind of God, these ancient “seers” imparted the wisdom of Sanatana Dharma to the earliest race of humanity. Sanatana Dharma is the eternal truth rooted in the divine essence of our being.
One of these ancient sages, legend says, shone so brilliantly with inner light that his contemporaries called him the “human sun.” His name was Kashyapa.
The Kashyapa Sutra offers us a glimpse of the immense wisdom of this ancient saint.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 1
Introduction
In this first video class, Swamiji introduces and explains the origins of the Kashyapa Sutra. The Kashyapa Sutra isimportant and useful for spiritual aspirants because they describe the concept of enlightenment and the path to its attainment. Swamiji explains the benefits that he experienced in choosing to study and teach the Kashyapa Sutra over other scriptures.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 2
Sutra #1
In Kashyapa Sutra Class Two, Swamiji begins the discussion of “Prarabdha Vashat Janma.” He describes the four types of karma, the four types of yoga, as well as the eight limbs of yoga. This class is full of useful Sanskrit vocabulary, practical instruction, and inspiring stories that demonstrate how to put this knowledge to use.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 3
Sutra #2
In the third class on Kashyapa Sutra, Swamiji begins the discussion of “Kamabandham Jivabhavam”, meaning every individual soul is bound by desire. Swamiji explains that if there were no desires, there would be no individuality. Shree Maa sings the beautiful song Bhavile Bhaver Uday Hay (in Bengali) which is relevant to the understanding of this Sutra. The nine steps of devotion from the Tulsidas Ramayana are discussed as well.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 4
Sutra #3
Class four is the discussion of Sutra Three, “Jamashrethatvam Mrityunjayatvam,” which means that the ultimate aim of life is victory over death. Swamiji explains that everyone is trying to leave behind something which will continue after their own life. Most people try to fulfill this urge by giving birth to children. In spiritual life we seek to fulfill this is many ways – by giving birth to an idea, by giving birth to wisdom, or by giving birth to a lineage of teaching.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 5
Sutra #4
In this class, Swamiji begins the discussion of Sutra Four, which says “Kamaradhanena Vidyaavidyaphalitam.” From the attempt to satisfy desire comes either the fruit of wisdom, which is unity, or the fruit of ignorance, which is duality. Swamiji introduces the bija (seed) mantras for various emotions, and teaches a method for controlling negative emotions, and replacing them with positive emotions. He also answers many questions clarifying the use of these mantras.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 6
Sutra #5
In this class, Swamiji discusses the Fifth Sutra of Kashyapa, which says, “Srishtidharmena Jivayatra.” The creation is a collection of individuals making their personal pilgrimages by means of the laws of harmony, unity, peace and truth. Swamiji speaks about the rules of “Ucchishta,” which are also known as “Jhuta” (impurity), in relation to Puja. He also tells the story of King Chandrasena and his minister, Uttam, who always stated, “God performs all works for the best. It is all God’s will.”
Kashyapa Sutra Class 7
Sutra #6
This class begins the discussion of Kashyapa Sutra #6, which says “Jivasaubhagyam Prakashanam.” The excellent fortune of life is illumination or intuitive perception. Swamiji discusses the three modes of perception – Pratyaksha (in the gross body), Pratyaya (in the subtle body) and Prakasha (in the causal body). He explains the seven levels of Consciousness, the Darshana of Kali, the meaning of Yoga, the four aspects of Yoga (Karma, Dhyana, Bhakti and Jnana), and the different kinds of Samadhi. Swamiji also tells the story of the Sadhu who built a temple to Shiva in his heart.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 8
Sutra #7
This class is the discussion of the Kashyapa Sutra Seven, which says, “Mayarohitasya Siddhatvasiddhih.” Maya is the measurement of Consciousness and “Maya Rohitasya” means the Radiance of Maya. “Siddhatvasiddhi” is the attainment of all attainments. When one attains to the radiance of Maya, one attains to the attainment of all attainments. Swamiji explains the three understandings of Maya, which come from Sri Vidya: the Maya of Vedanta – the one Universal Existence in harmony with its own self; the Maya of Sankhya – as illusion; and the Maya of Tantra – as the Divine Mother.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 9
Sutra #8
This class begins the discussion of Kashyapa Sutra Eight, which says, “Pashacchedanena Sadashivatvam.” By cutting the cords of attachments, we attain to the eternal, blissful consciousness. Swamiji speaks on the six limitations which bind us: Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Moda and Matsara. Even if we fall down due to these limitations, Swamiji explains, we should get back up again and move forward. By our nature we will fall at sometime, but we our praying to increase our recovery time so that we quickly get back up again. Swamiji also explains a beautiful verse from the Rig Veda, which says that every atom of existence is always performing Tapasya.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 10
Sutra #9
This class begins the discussion of Kashyapa Sutra Nine, which says “Jnanajnanadvandvajam Kolahalam.” The conflict between wisdom and ignorance causes great confusion. Swamiji tells several beautiful stories to illustrate this point. He tells the story of Indra and the Asura who went to ask Brihaspati about the Self. He also tells the story of Darkness who was always being chased by the Sun, and the story of the Sadhu who, by the request of the people, ruled a kingdom.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 11
Sutra #10
This class discusses Kashyapa Sutra Ten, which says, “Jayatvam Dukhahhetuh.” Victory destroys pain. Swamiji explains that anytime we go to battle and seek victory, it is because we desire something. When we are in want of something, we are in pain. So it is a universal principle that victory destroys the sense of lack. The greatest victory is the victory over the ego, which destroy the greatest pain – separation from God.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 12
Sutra #11
Swamiji discusses how the control of breath and life force, also known as prana, brings about peace. An individual who has attained prana siddhi becomes a source and distributor of peace. Swamiji also explains vachaka (dictionary meanings) and vaikarika (intuitive meanings) shaktis as they relate to prana siddhi. The traditional formula of 1:4:2 pranayam is also discussed, as well as the benefits from such a practice.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 13
Sutra #12
This class begins the discussion of Kashyapa Sutra 12 which says “Ajapantam Nirgunatattvanirupanam.” The search for the principle beyond qualities yields the fruit of absorption in the eternal. Swamiji explains that this verse has many levels of meaning, and it evolves based on each individuals level of spiritual progress. He speaks about Ajapa, the recitation of mantra which occurs of its own accord within us. Also explained are Bhautika and Vedic Shabda, the 36 principles of Tantra Philosophy and how we can use them as a meditation to realize the ultimate.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 14
Sutra #13
Sutra 13 tells us that if the individual soul (atma) is always united with the Universal Soul (paramatman), then the individual soul must be eternally liberated. The only distinction between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul is the remembrance. This remembrance is the grace that purifies the heart. When we remember to show respect in every action, then we overcome the greatest obstacle to this remembrance: selfishness.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 15
Sutra #14
In Sutra 14, Swamiji tells a story about the importance of letting go of attachment. As long as there is attachment, we cannot experience oneness. This sutra is telling us that to reside in liberation is to reside in non-duality by letting go of all attachments to the world.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 16
Sutra #15
The Kashyapa Sutra culminates with “Sri Guru Nathah Sarva Karana Karanam,” which means the respected Guru is the cause of all causes. If we can see how every circumstance of our life is nourished by the Guru’s example, then surrendering our selfishness becomes easier. Shree Maa sings, “Everything Is Your Desire,” which is a beautiful song about surrendering. What a privilege it is to have True Gurus, who are dedicated to our spiritual evolution.
Kashyapa Sutra Class 17
Questions and Answers
In this final class on the Kashyapa Sutra, Swamiji answers questions from devotees and shares his wealth of wisdom on how to apply spirituality to our everyday lives.