Reflect & Ask – Year 2

Class Notes  10/1/2026

Guide: Vivekji

Introduction: From Self-Reflection to Self-Development

Timestamp: 0:00–7:46

Vivekji began by referencing the Rāmāyaṇa, which compares ears that do not engage in śravaṇa (listening to spiritual teachings) to snake holes, and a mouth that does not speak kind words or speak about divinity to the croaking of a frog. These comparisons remind us that our faculties should be used for self-reflection rather than allowing them to control us.

Self-reflection is the first step, but it must lead to self-development. Once we recognize our vices, we must consciously transform them into values and ultimately into virtues. Values are found in books; virtues are lived within us. This transformation requires internalization.

The purpose of Reflect & Ask is to help seekers personalize and internalize the teachings shared throughout the community, whether from the Mahābhārata, Rāmāyaṇa, Aṣṭāvakra Gītā, or other scriptures. The goal is to move beyond intellectual understanding and apply these teachings to our own lives.

Vivekji explained the format of the sessions: approximately 15 minutes of foundational teachings on Sanātana Dharma, followed by 45 minutes of open questions. Questions are welcome as long as they are respectful toward the community.

He also shared his aspiration for seekers to become strong and confident followers of Sanātana Dharma. Strength should not be confused with aggression. Aggression arises from rajas, while true strength arises from sattva, bringing clarity, conviction, and confidence.

To support continued learning, Vivekji recommended two resources from the Chinmaya International Foundation:

• The Sanātana Dharma introductory course, available through chinfo.org.
• The book Understanding Hinduism.

He encouraged seekers to supplement what they have learned from family and teachers through continued study, reflection, and internalization.

Review: Sanātana Dharma — A Way to Life

Timestamp: 7:46–21:18

Vivekji revisited the teaching that Sanātana Dharma is a way to Life, where Life refers to existence, awareness, and joy.

Every action we undertake is motivated by one of two fundamental desires:

• Duḥkha Nivṛtti: Escaping pain or discomfort.
• Sukha Prāpti: Attaining happiness or embracing peace.

Escaping pain is the lower motivation. People may immerse themselves in work, shopping, sleep, or other activities to avoid discomfort. The higher motivation is to recognize and embrace the peace that is our true nature.

To establish that our nature is joy, Vivekji introduced five proofs, beginning with the outermost and moving toward the innermost.

Proof 5: Quality of Objects

No object is inherently made of joy. A cup of tea is made of its ingredients, a book is made of paper, and even the people we love are composed of physical elements. There is no single object that everyone desires or that guarantees happiness.

Even receiving a large sum of money may bring excitement without fundamentally changing one’s experience of happiness. This suggests that joy is not an intrinsic quality of objects.

Proof 4: Quantity of Objects

If one object does not inherently contain joy, accumulating more of it cannot produce lasting happiness.

Vivekji used ice cream as an example. While one scoop may be enjoyable, each additional scoop provides diminishing satisfaction. Excessive consumption eventually becomes uncomfortable or harmful.

Increasing the quantity of objects does not create lasting joy.

Proof 3: Absence of Objects

In deep sleep, awareness of objects, space, and time disappears, yet we experience rest and relief.

When asleep, we are unaware of our surroundings or how much time has passed. Nevertheless, we recognize the experience of rest upon waking.

If peace can be experienced in the absence of objects, joy cannot depend entirely on them. Vivekji used this to direct attention from the object toward the subject—the one experiencing.

Proofs 2 and 1: To Be Continued

Vivekji introduced the remaining two proofs:

• Proof 2: Escaping the unnatural.
• Proof 1: Embracing the natural.

He indicated that these would be elaborated upon in the following class.

The central teaching was that spiritual growth involves moving from constantly escaping pain toward embracing peace. This transformation does not come from changing our external circumstances but from changing our inner understanding.

Question 1: Correct Spelling of Nivṛtti

Category: Scriptural / Philosophical Inquiry
Timestamp: 22:13–approximately 23:15

Question

How is Nivṛtti spelled correctly?

Vivekji’s Response

Vivekji clarified the spelling as Nivṛtti, rendered in the transcript as NIVRTTI. He noted that an additional “i” is sometimes introduced when Sanskrit words are adapted to English spelling conventions.

Key Takeaway

Pay attention to the original Sanskrit terminology rather than relying only on English adaptations.

Question 2: Meaning of Vṛtti

Category: Scriptural / Philosophical Inquiry
Timestamp: 23:15–approximately 25:11

Question

What does vṛtti mean in the context of Duḥkha Nivṛtti?

Vivekji’s Response

Vivekji connected the term to thoughts and explained nivṛtti in this context as no longer dwelling on pain. Rather than continuing to focus on suffering, one redirects attention toward peace.

Key Takeaway

The shift from Duḥkha Nivṛtti to Sukha Prāpti involves moving away from preoccupation with pain and toward peace.

Question 3: Facing Grief and One’s Thoughts During a Silence Retreat

Category: Healing, Psychology & Personal Transformation
Timestamp: 25:11–approximately 30:54

Question

I am preparing to attend a Silence Retreat while also experiencing a loss in my family. I feel nervous about being alone with my thoughts for three days. How should I approach this experience?

Vivekji’s Response

Vivekji emphasized that when undertaking spiritual disciplines or vratas, the focus should be less on the action and more on the attitude behind it.

For example, abstaining from salt or speaking may initially feel meaningful, but these practices can become mechanical if attention remains on the external restriction. The purpose is not simply to stop eating certain foods or speaking. It is to reduce extroversion and become more inward-looking.

Similarly, fasting may lose its spiritual purpose when a person merely redirects outward desires instead of cultivating introspection.

For the Silence Retreat, Vivekji offered one specific recommendation: forget about functionality and focus on fundamentals.

Functionality includes concerns about money, media, schedules, responsibilities, and what needs to happen next week. These matters continually pull attention outward.

Instead, use the retreat to contemplate fundamental questions:

• Who am I?
• Am I happy?
• Is my guide proud of me?

Vivekji encouraged approaching the retreat as though functional concerns did not exist for those three days. The opportunity is to turn inward and reflect on one’s essential nature and growth.

He further explained that the fundamental investment is to become independent. We often become consumed by interdependent responsibilities—cooking, investing, traveling, and managing daily obligations—without examining whether we are becoming inwardly independent.

Key Takeaways

• Spiritual disciplines become meaningful through the attitude with which they are practiced.
• The purpose of silence is inward reflection, not merely the absence of speech.
• Set aside functional concerns to contemplate fundamental questions.
• The deeper purpose of spiritual practice is to develop inner independence.

Question 4: Why Joy Is Not Found in the Relationship Between Subject and Object

Category: Scriptural / Philosophical Inquiry
Timestamp: 30:54–approximately 34:30

Question

How can we know that joy does not arise from the relationship between the subject and an object, rather than from the object itself?

Vivekji’s Response

Vivekji explained that wherever there is contact, there is dvaita, or duality—two separate entities coming together. Anything dependent on contact is subject to change and deterioration.

He illustrated this through everyday examples. Clothing wears out, and the materials in our homes gradually deteriorate. Contact between separate entities is never permanent.

Similarly, the enjoyment of a jacuzzi depends on numerous external factors, including electricity, water temperature, water quality, and functioning equipment. Most importantly, the experience depends on one’s own state of mind.

When someone is in a good mood, the jacuzzi may seem wonderful. In a bad mood, the very same experience may feel unpleasant.

Thus, even when joy appears to arise from the meeting of subject and object, that experience remains dependent on changing conditions.

Vivekji contrasted this with the inherent nature of things. Sugar is naturally sweet, and fire is naturally hot. They do not need to make an effort to express these qualities. However, when mixed with other substances or subjected to changing conditions, the qualities experienced in the combination may change.

His central point was that a relationship dependent on external conditions cannot be the permanent source of joy.

Key Takeaways

• Contact between two separate entities involves dvaita and is subject to change.
• Enjoyment depends on external circumstances and one’s state of mind.
• Even a pleasant relationship between subject and object is conditional.
• Lasting joy cannot depend on changing relationships or external conditions.

Question 5: Understanding Ācāramaya Kośa and the Five Sheaths

Category: Scriptural / Philosophical Inquiry
Timestamp: 34:30–approximately 40:24

Question

Can Vivekji elaborate on the additional kośa mentioned during the Highest Vocation session and explain its significance?

Vivekji’s Response

Vivekji introduced Pañca Kośa Viveka, a method of inquiry taught in the Upaniṣads.

Pañca means five, kośa means sheath or covering, and viveka means discrimination—the ability to distinguish between what covers and what is covered.

He used the example of clothing covering the body. The clothing is the covering, while the body is what is covered. The inquiry invites us to recognize what is more fundamental or valuable as we move inward.

Traditionally, Pañca Kośa Viveka was taught in the gurukula, where students lived with greater balance, focus, and simplicity. Their inquiry could begin directly with the body, breath, mind, and subtler aspects of their personality.

Modern life, however, contains many additional layers of identification that can prevent seekers from beginning this inward inquiry.

To address this, Vivekji introduced Ācāramaya Kośa, the lifestyle sheath.

Ācāra refers to lifestyle, and maya means filled with. This sheath includes identification with one’s lifestyle, such as:

• Financial circumstances and bank accounts.
• Social media and public image.
• Diet and daily habits.
• Other external aspects of how one lives.

Vivekji illustrated this through social media. Someone may post a beautiful vacation photograph and then become preoccupied with how many people like it or what others comment. The dependence on approval becomes a limitation that holds the person back from understanding themselves.

Before turning inward through the traditional sheaths, seekers must begin loosening their identification with lifestyle.

The method Vivekji recommended is extreme appreciation.

He distinguished genuine appreciation from casually acknowledging conveniences such as running water or a comfortable lifestyle.

When appreciation becomes deep and sincere, the mind becomes less occupied with what it wants because it recognizes the value of what it already has.

This helps seekers disidentify from the lifestyle sheath and prepare for deeper self-inquiry.

Key Takeaways

• Pañca Kośa Viveka distinguishes the covering from what is covered.
• Ācāramaya Kośa represents the limitations created by identification with lifestyle.
• Modern attachments, including social media and financial identity, can obstruct deeper inquiry.
• Extreme appreciation reduces preoccupation with desires and helps loosen identification with lifestyle.

Question 6: Navigating Religious Differences Within the Family

Category: Relationships & Emotional Dharma
Timestamp: 40:24–approximately 44:36

Question

We are encouraged to surround ourselves with like-minded people. How should we respectfully maintain distance or navigate relationships when a family member has strongly opposing religious beliefs?

Vivekji’s Response

Vivekji explained that the purpose of religion is to help us experience existence, awareness, and joy.

When someone genuinely lives according to these teachings, the resulting cheerfulness and contentment become more powerful than any theoretical explanation or argument.

He illustrated this through the example of a person recommending a new diet. If the person continues becoming less healthy, others will have little reason to follow the recommendation. However, if the person visibly becomes healthier, others may naturally become curious.

Similarly, when spiritual practice brings genuine peace and contentment, family members may gradually become more open to understanding it. Their response may evolve from openness to acceptance and eventually to support.

The emphasis should be on living the teachings rather than trying to convince others of them.

Vivekji also recommended establishing clear ground rules for conversations about religion. Family members may follow different beliefs, but they can agree not to raise their voices and to discuss differences without fighting.

He further explained that vices and virtues are unilateral. If another person is upset with us, we do not have to become upset in return. If someone is antagonistic, we can still choose to be accepting.

Our response need not mirror another person’s behavior.

Religious differences may initially require tolerance, but the relationship should gradually move toward mutual respect.

Key Takeaways

• Demonstrate the value of spiritual practice through cheerful and content living.
• Focus on living the teachings rather than convincing others through arguments.
• Establish respectful boundaries for religious discussions.
• Another person’s negativity does not require a negative response from us.
• Allow tolerance to evolve into mutual respect.

Question 7: Vivekji’s Life Decisions After the Vedānta Course

Category: Life Decisions, Dharma & Worldly Responsibilities
Timestamp: 44:36–approximately 50:10

Question

After completing the Vedānta course, what guided Vivekji’s decision about his lifestyle and responsibilities? Was it a logical decision based on opportunities for growth, or was it a matter of going with the flow of life?

Vivekji’s Response

Vivekji shared that the answer was both.

When he entered the Vedānta course, he had very little personal agenda. He had not enrolled with the intention of becoming a teacher or developing particular relationships. His primary commitments were to return home as he had told his mother and to continue the relationship he had begun with Sheela.

In this sense, his approach was largely to go with the flow. Life had brought him to the course, and when it was time to leave, he accepted that movement as well.

He also reflected on his decision not to take dīkṣā and enter the lifestyle of a brahmacārī. He explained that he personally did not fully understand that context. To him, it seemed more connected with nivṛtti—moving away from something—than prāpti—moving toward something. He did not want his spiritual direction to be defined primarily by an external lifestyle.

More importantly, the Vedānta course had transformed his understanding so deeply that he could no longer separate his identity from Sanātana Dharma and the trust triangle of Bhagavān, scripture, and Guru.

He described this integration as becoming part of his very being.

Upon leaving the course, his singular purpose became serving the trust triangle.

Vivekji distinguished between serving an organization and serving the deeper spiritual presence and the guru-śiṣya paramparā, the lineage of teachers and students.

Organizations may experience difficulties or disruptions, but the spiritual purpose being served remains unchanged.

He encouraged seekers to reflect on whether organizational challenges disturb their inner steadiness. If they do, further reflection may be needed to become more mature and unwavering in one’s purpose.

Vivekji concluded by inviting everyone to honestly consider how many hours each week they dedicate to service.

Key Takeaways

• Life decisions may involve both thoughtful understanding and going with the flow.
• Spiritual identity should not depend solely on an external lifestyle or role.
• Deep study can integrate spiritual understanding into one’s entire way of living.
• Serve the enduring spiritual purpose rather than becoming attached to an organization.
• Reflect honestly on one’s commitment to sevā and spiritual service.

Question 8: Moving Beyond Dislikes and Likes to Opportunities

Category: Sādhana, Mind-Training & Inner Growth
Timestamp: 50:10–end of supplied transcript (exact end time unavailable)

Question

How can we grow beyond our dislikes and likes and begin seeing every experience as an opportunity?

Vivekji’s Response

Vivekji explained that purpose is what enables us to transcend dislikes and likes and recognize opportunities for growth.

He encouraged seekers to reflect on two fundamental questions:

• What is the purpose of my day?
• What is the purpose of my life?

When our purpose is primarily functional, we naturally experience dislikes because circumstances do not always align with our preferences.

However, when our purpose becomes fundamental, every responsibility that comes to us can be understood as an opportunity for growth and evolution.

Instead of evaluating experiences according to whether we like or dislike them, we begin to recognize how they can help us become less self-centered and move closer to the Divine.

The shift is not merely from disliking something to liking it. It is from being governed by personal preferences to living with a deeper purpose.

Key Takeaways

• A clear purpose helps us move beyond likes and dislikes.
• Functional goals tend to keep us attached to preferences.
• A fundamental purpose allows responsibilities to become opportunities for evolution.
• Spiritual growth involves becoming less preoccupied with oneself and moving closer to the Divine.

Summary Slide — Key Teachings

Reflect & Ask | Year 2

• Internalize spiritual knowledge: Move from self-reflection to self-development, transforming vices into values and values into virtues.
• Recognize your nature as joy: Happiness is not inherent in the quality, quantity, or relationship of external objects.
• Focus on fundamentals: Spiritual disciplines should cultivate inwardness and independence rather than become mechanical routines.
• Practice extreme appreciation: Gratitude for what we have helps reduce attachment to lifestyle and desire.
• Live your understanding: Demonstrate spiritual values through contentment, respectful relationships, and acceptance of others.
• Stay anchored in purpose: Serve Bhagavān, scripture, and Guru rather than becoming disturbed by changing organizational circumstances.
• See responsibilities as opportunities: A fundamental purpose helps us move beyond likes and dislikes toward spiritual evolution.