Scriptural Topic - Moksha explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/ The story of Nachiketa, found in the Kathopanishad, recounts how a boy named Nachiketa is given to the god of death, Yama, after he insists his father donate him during a sacrificial ritual. Nachiketa waits three days at Yama's door, and in exchange for the lack of hospitality, Yama grants him three boons. His final boon is to understand the secret of death, which leads to Yama teaching him about the nature of the Atman (the soul) and the path to immortality.   The story's events The initial conflict: Nachiketa's father, Vajashravas, was performing a ritual and was giving away his possessions. Nachiketa saw that his father was only giving away old, useless animals and questioned who he would give his son to. In anger, his father said he would give him to Yama, the god of death.  Waiting for Yama: Nachiketa took his father's words as a divine instruction and went to Yama's home, where he waited for three days without food or water.  The three boons: Yama was pleased with Nachiketa's determination and granted him three boons.  First boon: Nachiketa first asked for his father's peace and to be free from anger.  Second boon: For his second boon, he asked to learn about the fire sacrifice that leads to heaven. Yama taught him this and named the fire after him.  Third boon: Nachiketa's final request was for the knowledge of what happens after death.  The wisdom of Yama: Yama was hesitant but ultimately agreed to teach him the true nature of death and the soul. He explained the difference between the path of "good" (\(Shreyas\)) and the path of "pleasant" (\(Preyas\)). He also used the metaphor of a chariot to explain how one can achieve immortality through the intellect controlling the mind, senses, and body to realize the self.  The outcome: Nachiketa learned that the Atman is unborn, eternal, and does not die with the body, and that the wise seek the path of "good" to achieve immortality. He then returned to his father and shared the wisdom he gained.

Scriptural Topic - _/\_ PRAYER _/\_ explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Bhavna (continuance part 2) explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Bhavna explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

YSA 10.22.25 Scriptural Topic - Matsarya the 6th Shatripu explained by Hersh Khetarpal "6 shatripus" refers to the Shadripus, or six enemies of the mind in Hindu philosophy, which are lust, anger, greed, attachment, ego, and jealousy. These inner adversaries are believed to obstruct spiritual progress and are described as: kama (desire/lust), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), moha (attachment), mada (arrogance/ego), and matsarya (jealousy). Overcoming these tendencies is a key goal in achieving self-realization. Kama: Desire or lust, a craving for sensual pleasures. Krodha: Anger and hatred. Lobha: Greed and miserliness. Moha: Delusion or attachment to worldly things. Mada: Arrogance, pride, or ego. Matsarya: Jealousy, envy, or vanity. https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - The Moha (one of the enemies of a sadhak {seeker} ) explained by Hersh Khetarpal Moha" is a Sanskrit and Pali word meaning delusion, ignorance, or confusion. It is a key concept in Hinduism and Buddhism, representing a state of mind that prevents one from seeing reality clearly. In these traditions, moha is considered a root of suffering and a primary obstacle to enlightenment. It is often paired with greed (raga) and hatred (dvesha) as one of the three main causes of suffering. A "defect": Moha is one of the six "arishadvargas" or "shadripus" (six enemies) that hinder spiritual progress. Root of evil: It is a root of evil that leads one astray from the path to liberation. Other meanings: Outside of religious contexts, moha can also mean infatuation, fascination, or even a swoon or fainting spell. Overcoming Moha The opposite of moha is wisdom or insight (prajna). Overcoming moha involves cultivating wisdom and insight into the nature of reality. This can lead to greater peace, compassion, and a reduction in personal suffering. https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - The mada / pride explained by Hersh Khetarpal The Sanskrit root word mad (मद्) carries a broad range of meanings in scripture, encompassing both positive concepts like intoxication, bliss, and spiritual ecstasy, and negative ones like arrogance and madness. The specific context determines the precise meaning in a given text. Positive or spiritual interpretations In a positive, spiritual context, mad and its derivatives convey a sense of divine bliss and exhilaration. Intoxication with God: Sri Ramakrishna and other spiritual teachers describe a state of "madness for God" or spiritual intoxication as a supremely desirable state, which offers a higher form of fulfillment than worldly pursuits. In a more worldly or psychological context, mad and its derivatives refer to negative traits and actions. Pride (Mada): Scripture identifies mada as one of the shadripu, or the six enemies of the mind, which obstruct spiritual progress toward liberation (moksha). This refers to arrogance, excessive pride, and conceit stemming from things like one's wealth, knowledge, or family status. https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - The Triple gates to hell explained by Hersh Khetarpal Kaam, Krodh & Lobh "Kam, Krodh, Lobh" refers to lust, anger, and greed, which are three of the "five thieves" or "six enemies of the mind" (Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, and Mada/Ahankara) Understanding "Kam, Krodh, Lobh" Kaam (Lust): An illegitimate sexual desire or an excessive desire for sensory pleasures. Krodh (Anger/Wrath): A state of rage that causes one to lose their mental balance and become incapable of rational thought. Lobh (Greed): A strong desire for worldly possessions, especially an urge to acquire what rightfully belongs to others. Overcoming the Vices These vices are often seen as obstacles to spiritual realization. To combat them, one can: Cultivate Virtues: Practice positive qualities such as contentment (Santokh), compassion, courage, and wisdom. Spiritual Practices: Engage in mindfulness, meditation, and prayer to gain control over one's senses. Ethical Conduct: Live a truthful and ethical life to prevent being controlled by negative desires. Self-Awareness: Understand that these qualities can lead to destruction and to keep the mind free from these negative influences. https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

The definition of the bodies (5 elements) within us explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/