Swami Nirmalananda Giri answers a wide range of spiritual questions in the November 2025 Satsang. These monthly Q&A sessions explore meditation, karma, reincarnation, the afterlife, authentic yoga practice, and the universal truths found in all great spiritual traditions. This satsang includes reflections on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the nature of thought-forms, the practice of Soham sadhana, Jesus as a yogi, the destiny of animals, Vedanta, idolatry, and the deeper purpose of spiritual life. Swamiji also speaks about discouragement on the path, synchronicity, and what it truly means to seek God beyond theology or dogma. Chapter Markers 00:00 Introduction 00:33 News about the Ram Temple in Ayodhya 04:33 About thought-forms 06:51 Soham answering questions 11:04 Inner mental dialog during meditation 12:25 Someone who bought An Eagle’s Flight 13:18 About synchronicity 14:33 Was Jesus a yogi? 17:42 Idolatry and worshipping a deity or saint 21:22 What happens to a pet when it dies? 26:18 Does hell exist? 29:38 What is Vedanta? 37:20 How much does the afterlife concern a yogi? 39:11 How important is a belief in karm and reincarnation? 40:00 What about a belief in heaven and hell? 40:36 How important is theology or formal philosophy? 41:54 Can the Infinite God really be known? 44:35 What is the difference between the Spirit and the Soul? 45:05 What determines who is born as one’s children? 47:50 Is knowledge learned in one life carried to the next? 48:10 Discouragement in spiritual life 49:24 Does true spirituality still exist in India? 53:35 Concern about drifting from a Christian background 54:36 How can we become better if we don’t remember our past lives? #Satsang #YogaWisdom #Vedanta OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.org A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signup FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

Ayodhya Temple, Thought Forms & More: Dec 2025 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda

This month Swamiji introduces a new book: An Eagle's Flight: A Yogi's Spiritual Autobiography (https://amzn.to/4ojXlAg), and reflections on Spirit & Life: Commentaries on the Four Gospels questions on karma, diet, Neem Karoli Baba, Soham japa, and more. Highlights and Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:39 Spirit & Life: Commentaries on the Four Gospels 02:20 An Eagle’s Flight: A Yogi’s Spiritual Autobiography 06:29 The “crazy” yogini — The Daughter of the King 11:48 What karma does the “deliverer” of karma have? 14:57 Eggs and a vegetarian diet 18:10 Nath Yoga and Tamil Siddha traditions 18:46 Black or African Yoga traditions? 20:58 Those around Anandamayi Ma who became something 27:35 Swami Sivananda on milk and ahimsa 30:27 Variations of the Soham mantra 34:32 Does time exist outside the human mind? 35:14 Meeting Neem Karoli Baba 43:41 A question about Gnosticism 46:14 Are there inappropriate times for Soham japa? 47:44 Oliver Black and Babaji — a spiritual story 52:18 Can prarabdha karma obstruct sadhana? 59:30 Rudraksha beads in meditation 1:05:34 How to deal with predators in small communities #satsang #spiritualstories #spiritualjourney OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.org A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signup FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

November 2025 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda Giri — Eagle's Flight Stories

In this month’s online satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) answers questions from seekers on diverse spiritual topics—ranging from the practice of Soham sadhana and the meaning of Navaratri, to karma, diet, compassion, and what is a guru. #Satsang #YogaPhilosophy #SohamMeditation Highlights include: 00:00 Introduction 00:44 What is Navaratri? 02:29 What is the goal of Soham Sadhana? 12:36 The book “Philosophy of Gorakhnath” on Soham and Om 14:29 Tinnitus and meditation 15:50 About “finding a guru” 17:26 Thoughts about a “fish diet” 21:59 Benefit of bathing in the Triveni 27:33 Dealing with a horrible person in your life 28:16 “Attunement ceremonies” 28:29 About the Essenes 35:05 When did karma begin? 37:43 Pantheism and Panentheism, and philosophy in general 42:21 Yoga sutras and compassion? 44:05 About the antichrist 46:02 How do I know I am progressing in meditation? 55:10 How to “save ourselves from satan” 57:47 What makes a holy scripture either holy or a scripture? 1:07:25 About everyone being on the path to God OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.org A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signup FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

October 2025 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda | Soham, Karma & the Path to God

Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) for the September 2025 Satsang, offering practical and profound answers to spiritual questions sent by seekers around the world. Topics include: • The newly released Spirit & Life volumes • Karma, meditation, and spiritual awakening • Babaji’s Cave and Yogic science • The Cathars, astrology, and the science of yoga • Soul origins, free will, dreams, and more Order the new book “Spirit and Life: The Four Gospels for Awakening” now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mPXkCR Skip to the topics that interest you with these timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:35 New books: Spirit and Life 03:54 Points for success: making yourself an individual 07:16 About Brahmamuhurta 08:51 How many stages are there in spiritual awakening? 11:48 Story of a spiritual man in Vrindavan) 15:51 A question about early retirement and spiritual dedication 17:43 Narayan Das and Ma Anandamayi 20:18 A question about the Cathars 21:53 Sources of negative dreams 25:45 Is it necessary to engage in “intimacy” to get rid of the karma? 29:33 Yogananda and the annoying vegetarian 33:12 Babaji’s Cave 34:38 About Universal Spiritual Core Values 35:58 Will God sometimes mitigate karma? 43:30 Do all religions lead to the same goal? 46:39 Why is yoga considered a science rather than a religion? 49:43 How long must I meditate to see God? 51:25 Theresa Neumann story 57:00 Where do new souls come from? 1:01:49 About free will 1:03:30 Can a swami be released from his vows? 1:10:47 Did Lahiri Mahasaya say no one should become a sannyasi? 1:13:05 Is yoga good for mentally ill people? 1:15:42 About astrology OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.org A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signup FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

September 2025 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda | Erasing Karma & More

In this illuminating August 2025 Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri responds to deep spiritual questions with insight, humor, and clarity. Topics include: • How to recognize the voice of God vs. ego • Yogananda’s surprising experience with Divine trickery • The value (or not) of past-life recall • Dharana, Dhyana & Samadhi in Soham Yoga • Life after death, and what the soul truly journeys through • Astrology, dreams of saints, and spiritual chants • Marriage vs. monastic life—and what Ramana Maharshi reveals • How to live with gratitude without grief Includes stories of Anandamayi Ma, Ramana Maharshi, and Yogananda, plus reflections on India, the Ganga, and the ever-present Self. Chapters are included for easy navigation. 00:00 Introduction 00:23 A story of Anandamayi Ma 03:04 The nature of spiritual questions 03:58 Is it possible for God to speak to you in your mind in English? 05:33 God plays a trick on Yogananda* 07:05 How do you distinguish God’s voice from your ego? 12:03 Is there spiritual value in trying to remember your past lives?* 16:58 Progress in Soham Yoga: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi? 18:37 Where is the safest place to bathe in the Ganga? 21:39 The nature of India 31:31 Does the sun cause cancer? 32:21 Being thankful for people and pets without being overwhelmed at their passings? 37:11 Is it possible to be blissed-out all the time? 40:58 What is the process and journey of the soul after death? 43:01 Can one listen to spiritual chants during meditation? 44:06 Marriage or monastic life? 44:13 A story of Ramana Maharshi 50:13 “Enlightenment” that goes away 52:23 Are dreams of sages of the past of any value? 54:05 Is astrology beneficial in spiritual life. 55:57 What does a liberated soul do in the afterlife 58:16 What decides where a person goes after death? 59:50 Should we try to keep in mind that we are ever perfect? #SpiritualQuestions #Satsang #spiritualteachings OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.org A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signup FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

Voices of God, Past Lives, and the Path Beyond Death  August 2025 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda

About Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) Swami Nirmalananda is a monk of the ancient Swami Order and founder of Atma Jyoti Ashram (Light of the Spirit Monastery). With deep roots in both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, he has authored over 30 books on meditation, Vedanta, and the mystical life of Christ. His teachings reveal the essential unity of Sanatana Dharma and original Christianity, drawn from decades of contemplative experience, pilgrimage in India, and study with great spiritual teachers such as Swami Sivananda and Anandamayi Ma. In this month’s satsang, Swamiji answers questions from students on a range of spiritual topics, including: Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:29 New book: Christian Non-Dualism 03:22 Gita Talks Project (GitaTalks.ocoy.org) 04:22 Are there hierarchies of souls? 08:30 Thoughts on magnetic and vibrational therapy 13:12 The greatness of Lalla Yogeshwari 22:21 The correct pronunciation of Soham 24:45 A typical day at Atma Jyoti Ashram 47:37 A saying of Anandamayi Ma 49:51 Can a guru take away karmas? 54:24 The war of good and evil: what lies ahead? 1:02:05 Jesus: “Greater things shall you do…” 1:07:11 Sanatana Dharma in the West 1:15:00 The Gita Mahatmyam (Glory of the Gita) 1:16:28 Dharma, organ transplants, and the subtle body To learn more, visit: https://ocoy.org https://gitatalks.ocoy.org https://lightofthespiritpress.com Books by Swamiji: https://amazn.so/9FN0kcr FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

July 2025 Satsang • Swami Nirmalananda • Guidance on the Path of Awakening

Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) for the June 2025 Satsang, a deep and wide-ranging spiritual conversation flowing from Soham meditation to the mysteries of saints, sannyas, the caste/purushartha connection, the question of virgin birth, and the soul’s entry into the stream of Sanatana Dharma. Swamiji speaks on: • Cremation or Burial: the pros and cons of both • The four castes and purusharthas as inner archetypes • How and why spiritual masters incarnate • The value of dying consciously and holy company (satsanga) • Whether meditation affects dreams, and more With his signature clarity, Swamiji weaves together insights from Eastern and Western mysticism, sharing stories from saints he knew and teachings from scriptures he lived. Timestamps for Key Topics 00:00 Introduction 00:33 Why is cremation better than burial? 06:01 Satya Sai Baba and the Soham mantra 06:40 Soham mantra and sannyas initiation 07:40 The St. Thomas cross 07:31 The Triadic heart of Siva 08:05 What is the best way to help others? 10:23 The correspondence of the four castes and pursharthas 15:27 Why do masters come into the world? 19:52 About the “thoughtless state” 23:44 Entering the stream of Sanatana Dharma 33:09 Would a virgin birth be against natural laws? 38:38 Dying in an unconscious state 47:02 What is the value of holy company? 51:38 Does meditation affect dreams? 54:18 Can you recommend a Gita translation? 56:18 GitaTalks.ocoy.org 56:33 What is a “master”? 1:00:18 Light of Soham #spiritualawakening #satsang #soham OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.org A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signup FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

Soham, Saints, and the Stream of Dharma – June 2025 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda

Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this May 2025 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bb In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha. In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York. #satsang #hindudeity #spiritualawakening Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 New book: Christian Non-Dualism 01:32 Interview with Narendra Modi by Lex Hixon 04:42 Hindu Deities: imagery and symbology 06:47 Recommended book: Hinduism–The Universal Religion 07:44 The meaning and symbolism of Sri Ganesha 09:20 The meaning and symbolism of Brahma, the Creator 11:46 The meaning and symbolism of Vishnu 14:56 The meaning and symbolism of Siva 23:39 The meaning and symbolism of Saraswati 25:33 The meaning and symbolism of Lakshmi 27:57 The meaning and symbolism of Durga 34:44 The meaning and symbolism of Kali 41:46 The meaning and symbolism of Krishna [43:25] Krishna’s flute-mantra [end 44:25] 45:10 The meaning and symbolism of Rama 52:26 Differences between Theosophy and Rosacrucianism? 57:13 The difference between Supreme Father and Supreme Soul 1:03:39 Is the 5th dimension emerging? 1:08:31 What is the difference between hypnotism and meditation 1:13:19 Soham or Sa Ha? OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.org A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signup FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

Learn In-Depth Spirituality – May 2025 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda

Join Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) in this April 2025 Satsang to elevate your spirit by growing your knowledge of meditation, yoga, and spiritual awakening. Listen to his new Talks on the Bhagavad Gita here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzUa3GQViSbVFbfQW_yugfTi5u9x8W7bb In his many pilgrimages to India, he had the opportunity of meeting some of India’s greatest spiritual figures, including Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh and Anandamayi Ma. During his first trip to India he was given sannyas by Swami Vidyananda Giri, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, who had himself been given sannyas by the Shankaracharya of Puri, Jagadguru Bharat Krishna Tirtha. In the United States he also encountered various Christian saints, including Saint John Maximovich of San Francisco and Saint Philaret Voznesensky of New York. #satsang #spiritualityyoga #spiritualawakening Use these timestamps below to navigate to topics which he discusses in this month's satsang: 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Easter, Yogananda, and the King of Kings 04:42 Book recommendation: Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception 09:28 Was Swami Sivananda married? 10:17 Sound and Breath for yogis 18:17 Soham Yoga Meditation metholology 21:39 Attitudes during Soham Meditation? 25:48 A question about dreaming 26:57 The difference between Sanatana Dharma and the Bible regarding prophecy 28:49 “Forget and Forgive” in the Shastras? 32:50 Spelling of Soham: Soham or Sohum? 34:55 Are there real yogis and saints in India today? 44:30 Experience with a sadhu at a railway station 50:30 Meditation sickness? 54:17 Regaining an experience in meditation 55:06 What happens to the soul in the afterlife? 1:00:27 Discovery of Gajanana Maharaj and Soham Yoga 1:03:08 Light of Soham and Inspired Wisdom of Gajanana Maharaj OCOY.org RESOURCES Get FREE pdf spiritual ebooks at our E-Library: https://ocoy.org/site/e-library/ Listen to Podcast on practical spiritual topics: https://ocoy.org/podcasts/ Website: https://ocoy.org A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student–Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom FREE Meditation Guide and weekly blog updates, podcasts and more: https://ocoy.org/signup FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL https://www.facebook.com/light.of.spirit/ https://twitter.com/Light_of_Spirit https://instagram.com/lightofthespirit/

Learn Spiritual Realities – April 2025 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda

Here is a summary of the talk "Qualities of Brahman" by Swami Nirmalananda Giri, based on the 13th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita:



In this talk, Swami Nirmalananda Giri explores the nature and qualities of Brahman, the all-encompassing divine reality, as described in the Bhagavad Gita. He emphasizes that Brahman is the essence of everything—both animate and inanimate—permeating all existence as the sustainer, creator, and absorber of life.



The talk highlights the need for a yogi to refine their consciousness to perceive Brahman’s subtle presence, which is both near and far, undivided yet appearing divided. Brahman is presented as the source of all light, knowledge, and existence, beyond darkness, and seated in the heart of all beings.



The discussion also touches on the interplay of Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (vibrating energy or material creation), the inevitability of karma, and the importance of self-realization through practices like mantra repetition (e.g., "Soham") and meditation.



Main Points:



 1.  Brahman as All-Encompassing: Brahman exists both outside and inside all beings, encompassing everything—animate and inanimate—since all is composed of living, moving particles, embodying life itself.
 2.  Subtlety of Brahman: Brahman is incomprehensible due to its subtlety, requiring a yogi to refine their consciousness to perceive its presence, which is both far and near.
 3.  Unity and Multiplicity: A true yogi perceives both the unity of Brahman and the apparent multiplicity of existence simultaneously, aiming for omniscience as the ultimate goal.
 4.  Sustainer of Beings: Brahman is the foundation of all existence, sustaining everything, shining as the life within all, without which nothing could exist.
 5.  Creator and Absorber: Brahman generates and withdraws all creation cyclically, as exemplified by Krishna’s statement in the Gita about sending forth and retracting beings helplessly within this process.
 6.  Light of Light: Brahman is the source of all light, enabling existence and manifestation, existing beyond darkness as the singular, eternal light.
 7.  Knowledge and the Known: Brahman embodies wisdom, being both the process of knowing, the knower, and the object of knowledge, seated in the heart of all beings.
 8.  Spiritual Practice: The yogi uses practices like "Soham" meditation and japa (mantra repetition) to align with Brahman, recognizing it as the primal word or sound of creation.
 9.  Purusha and Prakriti: Creation arises from the interplay of Purusha (pure consciousness) and Prakriti (material energy), both eternal aspects of Brahman, with Prakriti driving action and manifestation.
 10. Karma and Responsibility: All experiences, including pleasure and pain, stem from individual karma, reflecting personal choices and actions, not external blame; self-awareness dissolves karmic ignorance.
 11. Self-Realization: True knowing comes from experiencing Brahman, not just theorizing about it, and devotees who comprehend this approach the divine state of being.
 12. Humility in Learning: Swamiji critiques superficial knowledge, encouraging persistent effort and humility in the spiritual journey, rather than assuming mastery from minimal understanding.



The talk concludes with a call to deepen understanding of the Gita through Swami Nirmalananda’s book, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening, emphasizing practical spirituality and self-awareness.

Gita Talk 61–Qualities of Brahman

A Practical Resource for the Spiritual Student. Discover the timeless wisdom of India and the yoga path to freedom. This podcast channel offers you a wealth of practical and thought-provoking knowledge about the Oriental origins of Christianity, the simple and classic tradition of Yoga and the Yoga Life, the practical messages of the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures, and much more. Journey beyond the forest of cliches, contradictions, and confusion about Yoga, Hinduism, Christianity and metaphysical thought, through the unconventional wisdom of Abbot George Burke, director of Light of the Spirit Monastery.

Simeon Davis

Shows