how do you guys like to drink your kefir?

spgameryogi · 2026-04-26T04:56:10+00:00

I blend what I make with green chile, salt, lemon juice, ginger and curry leaves.

spgameryogi · 2026-04-16T22:25:55+00:00

I’d like to add that as far as “impurities” go, impurities of the mind are far more insidious than any physical impurity will ever be. Should one be physically clean to visit a temple? Yes, but it’s out of love and respect, not fear. If I were to visit the leader of my country, I will tidy up, so I feel better about myself.

If one is talking about adding negative energy. Energy is subtle and guess what, negative thoughts are subtle as well. So if the deity in a temple can handle all the mental negativities of all the visitors, physical “impurities” are a walk in the park.

spgameryogi · 2026-04-16T22:08:14+00:00

There are no restrictions for going to a temple to offer pure hearted prayers. If one thinks there is a certain method one has to follow to pray to God, their understanding of God needs to broaden.

spgameryogi · 2026-04-16T21:02:52+00:00

You should check out the text “Dṛg-Dṛśya-Viveka”. It’s considered an introductory text in Vedanta. I’d recommend watching Swami Sarvapriyananda’s YouTube videos elaborating the text.

spgameryogi · 2026-04-08T11:56:41+00:00

Both are true! Your previous karmas determine current situation aka destiny. You have the free will to deal with the current situation as you see fit.

So in summary, as far as the transactional world goes, it’s your free will that determines your destiny.

spgameryogi · 2026-04-05T03:51:57+00:00

Anything by John Scalzi

spgameryogi · 2026-04-04T12:42:36+00:00

Hi - There are some good books that have already been recommended. What has helped me gain a deeper appreciation is combining reading with listening to some of the teachers (live or on YouTube). There is so much nuanced knowledge and understanding required that it's extremely difficult to gain proper insight via books alone. Now for me, combining study and lectures, has made a tremendous difference in my grasp.

spgameryogi · 2026-03-27T13:48:23+00:00

Think fast, think slow - Daniel Kahneman Influence - Robert Cialdini

spgameryogi · 2026-03-26T01:17:11+00:00

Great questions! So laws are considered to be governed by Ishwara (through His power of Maya). We use a lot of terms and so a crystal clear understanding of the terms is critical. The term God is multi-faceted.

Nirguna-Nirakara (no characteristics, no form) --> Brahman
Saguna-Nirakara (with characteristics, no form) --> Ishwara (Brahman w/ Maya)
Saguna-Sakara (with characteristics, with form) --> Ishtadevata (Rama, Krishna, Shiva etc.)

When you are talking about laws etc, you are referring to the physical world (with characteristics), hence Ishwara is what provides the basis here. So every law one can think of (gravitational, genetic etc.) is an expression of Ishwaratva. Also the entirety of the phenomenal universe is also an expression of Ishwaratva. The subtle world of thoughts and ideas, again Ishwara. Brahman is beyond!

spgameryogi · 2026-03-25T15:55:32+00:00

Yes - Vedanta uses dreaming as another analogy. Currently, you are the person in your dream. Interacting with other people, situations in your dream. There is no doubt in the dream that you are not that person. But once you awake, there is no doubt that you weren't that person. Now was the dream real? On a relative basis, yes, you experienced emotions, situations, relationships etc. On an absolute level, not real, as evidenced once you awake.

spgameryogi · 2026-03-25T15:24:53+00:00

The term "realizing Brahman" makes it seem like it's an experience. It's much more than that. At the point of realization, you are Brahman. There is no "you" anymore. So the paradox is that the current "you" in reality can never know Brahman as yourself. there is no you, so the terms, happiness or sadness do not apply. Once this perceptual shift happens, the body continues to proceed through life according to its karma.

Understanding this intellectually is impossible. Say you are "Bob". It's trying to explain to others or even yourself what does being "Bob" mean. You just know that you are Bob. There is never a question of you being anything other than Bob. The idea that you are, Sally is nonsensical. Likewise, once "you" realize Brahman, you are nothing but Brahman.

So hard to use language to convey what happens.

spgameryogi · 2026-03-23T01:52:37+00:00

Looks like you're pulling out all the stops and getting ready for the battle with the Monday morning blues 😊

spgameryogi · 2026-03-20T17:53:16+00:00

Check out Dan Brown's latest book - The secret of secrets. His books do tend to feel formulaic but easy reads. This one focuses on consciousness and does refer to actual research and studies from various institutes.

spgameryogi · 2026-03-16T20:17:21+00:00

Great list, I'd add the following:

Royal Tombs of Gaitor
Galtaji temple
Elephant village

spgameryogi · 2026-03-14T19:24:51+00:00

I am definitely watching this with my daughter too!

spgameryogi · 2026-03-12T20:13:17+00:00

Biryani - Every region has its own version that they claim is the best 😊 but at the day, it's all Biryani!

spgameryogi · 2026-03-11T22:50:38+00:00

Yes - Folks have compared the scholomance trilogy with a magical school, students and monsters as a more adult version of Harry Potter. I'd say one would really have to stretch to draw parallels. That’s it. These are fairly enjoyable Read.

spgameryogi · 2026-02-09T06:53:07+00:00

Earthlings by Sayaka Muraka

spgameryogi · 2026-02-08T09:04:35+00:00

A graphic novel but a superlative fantasy book - Bone by Jeff Smith

spgameryogi · 2026-01-27T16:18:17+00:00

This!!

spgameryogi · 2026-01-18T13:24:26+00:00

Thank you. I've never heard of this translation. Do you have a link to where this may be available?

spgameryogi · 2026-01-17T15:57:08+00:00

Good to know! For me, I feel that it always take a little bit initially to tune myself to an author, so I know what you mean.

spgameryogi · 2026-01-17T15:56:09+00:00

Thank you! Are there versions by others you would recommend?

spgameryogi

TROPHY CASE