Light of the Spirit Podcast Podcast By Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) cover art

Light of the Spirit Podcast

Light of the Spirit Podcast

By: Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)
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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 Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke), director of Light of the Spirit Monastery.Copyright 2026 Light of the Spirit Podcast Christianity Hinduism Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Spiritual Path to Freedom | April 2026 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda

    Spiritual Path to Freedom | April 2026 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda
    Apr 7 2026
    In this April 2026 satsang, Swamiji answers a wide range of practical and philosophical questions on spiritual life, including Soham japa, karma, prayer, meditation, brahmacharya, fasting, reincarnation, the Atman, and the struggle at the time of death. #Satsang #Spirituallife #spiritualgrowth Satsang Topic – Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Etsy holy images – Etsy.com/shop/SacredVisionsHQ 02:38 Holy images and living presence 05:23 Thoughts of Anandamayi Ma 10:51 The benefits of fasting 14:52 Dealing with religious extremists 18:13 Constant japa of Soham 20:54 God’s will and karma 29:48 The value of prayer 32:21 Surrendering faith to the will of God? 33:20 Reincarnation in the same family? 34:46 India, religion, and poverty? 37:50 Is initiation necessary? 39:00 Contradictions in spiritual scriptures 42:20 Defending yourself from religious “wingnuts” 46:05 Best time to meditate 47:47 Maintaining brahmacharya 50:32 Where is the Atman in the body? 54:06 Eyes open or closed in meditation? 54:50 Doubts about spiritual ability 56:40 Atma, prana, and chitta 59:06 Meditation and moral sensibility 1:01:23 Different Easter datings 1:04:58 The struggle at the time of death 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/
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • March 2026 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda Giri | Ganesha, Karma, Guru, Kundalini

    March 2026 Satsang with Swami Nirmalananda Giri | Ganesha, Karma, Guru, Kundalini
    Mar 8 2026
    In this satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri answers a wide range of spiritual questions related to Sanatana Dharma, yoga, and practical spiritual life. Topics include the spiritual value of incense, the meaning of Sri Ganesha, the rationale of a vegetarian diet, the nature of karma, whether a guru is necessary, and reflections on kundalini, devotion, and the immense diversity of Hindu spiritual paths. Swamiji also discusses how to live in the world without attachment and how sincere spiritual effort can be offered to God. Swami Nirmalananda Giri is the spiritual head of Atma Jyoti Ashram and the author of many books on yoga, Vedanta, and the universal teachings of Sanatana Dharma. #Satsang #Kundalini #Ganesha Question Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:32 The value of incense in spiritual life 06:24 Who is the Hindu God Sri Ganesha? 16:47 More about incense 18:03 About those who feel attraction for different spiritual paths 24:33 Do what you can do and offer it to God 26:02 The spiritual rationale of a vegetarian diet 29:39 Violating the rules of sannyasa 31:33 What is the point of worshipping the Divine Forms of God? 33:48 Is Saguna worship meant for developing concentration? 34:34 Observations about Kundalini 36:51 Krishna: a real person or a symbol? 39:58 Gaudia Vaishnava ideas vs. Advaitic ideas 41:45 Feeling lost in the immensity of Sanatana Dharma 45:48 Take a chance: Learn 46:41 Those who blame God for the problems in the world 51:55 How belief affects or doesn’t affect karma 57:26 Can you follow a spiritual path without a guru to initiate you? 58:20 How can you live in the world without desire? 58:54 About abstract “what if” questions 1:01:52 a footnote 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/
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Why Yoga Matters, Discernment & Spiritual Independence | February 2026 Satsang

    Why Yoga Matters, Discernment & Spiritual Independence | February 2026 Satsang
    Feb 10 2026
    In this February 2026 Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri explores the true value of yoga as a path of discernment, independence, and personal responsibility. Topics include psychic self-defense, spiritual protection, the use for protection of the Saint Benedict Medal and rudraksha beads, and how yoga sharpens discrimination (viveka). Swamiji also addresses divination and Tarot from a yogic perspective, the restless nature of the mind, and what it truly means to be a yogi. The satsang continues with reflections on spiritual evolution, karma and rebirth, objections to meditation, and the importance of clarity and strength in the spiritual life — especially in a world filled with misinformation and negative influences. This satsang is especially valuable for those seeking: • A clear understanding of the yogi’s responsibility • Discernment instead of blind belief • A mature view of spiritual protection • Insight into karma, evolution, and self-improvement • A grounded, intelligent defense of yoga and meditation TOPICS / TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 00:24 Psychic Self Defense 01:19 The Saint Benedict Medal 08:35 Rudraksha beads for protection 14:49 Discerment through yoga practice 16:23 About Tarot divination 19:24 How to Read the Tarot, by Swami Nirmalananda 25:22 Why is the mind continually talk 26:30 What is being a yogi? 30:16 Zen Buddhist story 33:06 What are the gods? 34:27 [About Spiritual Evolution] 47:13 Can we become better without knowledge of past lives? 50:14 How can we improve ourselves if we incarnate in lower forms? 55:32 Negative propaganda about meditation 58:11 Negative groups in India 1:03:04 The value of yoga #YogaPhilosophy #Satsang #SpiritualDiscernment 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/
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    1 hr and 6 mins
All stars
Most relevant
Abbott George comes across as a “Fundamentally Kindhearted and Genuinely Nice Guy,” who speaks the Wisdom of the Ages, in a very Down to Earth and Entertaining Way, that specifically targets Everyday Folks.

P.S. Been “Enquiring in the Temple” for nigh-on-to 60 years here, as well, and Abbott George’s “de-spooking” of the “spiritually presumed power and forces of negation” (re: Satan, Lucifer, Sin, Darkness, Self-Ignorance and the like, etc.) is as good as “esoteric deciphering” gets.

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