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)
Listen for free

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
  • 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/
    Show more Show less
    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/
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • What Is Meditation? God-Experience & Anandamayi Ma Stories | January 2026 Satsang

    What Is Meditation? God-Experience & Anandamayi Ma Stories | January 2026 Satsang
    Jan 4 2026
    In this January 2026 Satsang, Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Swamiji) reflects on the teachings of Anandamayi Ma, the nature of meditation, and the necessity of direct spiritual experience rather than belief alone. Topics include the meaning of satsang as the association of the holy, the role of mantra as a living seed of realization, meditation in nature and city life, and whether belief in God must be tied to formal religion. Swamiji also addresses questions about Jesus, including his teachings on non-resistance and possible contact with Greek philosophy. Personal stories, traditional wisdom, and practical guidance are woven together, offering clarity for sincere seekers drawn to meditation, Soham Yoga, and the universal core of spiritual life. This satsang is especially valuable for those seeking: • Practical understanding of meditation • Insight into Anandamayi Ma’s life and sayings • A universal approach to God-experience beyond dogma • Guidance on meditation practice, timing, and environment Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:40 A saying of Anandamayi Ma 01:27 Satsang: the association of the holy 10:09 Those who challenge you to prove God exists 12:05 The necessity of experience 12:31 A mantra as a seed to something bigger 15:52 Yoga: the flight of the alone to the Alone 17:22 Did Jesus have contact with Greek philosophers 18:47 Jesus’ saying “resist not evil” 22:16 How long and at what times should one meditate 26:49 Is meditating in nature beneficial? 28:30 Meditating in the city: the story of Luthur McKinney 32:15 Is it OK to believe in God but not follow a religion? 34:13 Is there benefit to meditating with others? 35:42 From Eastern Orthodox monastic life to Soham Yoga 37:41 Anandamayi Ma identified as a sannyasini — Dr. Ghosh 40:19 What is meditation? 44:06 Your life is your own — not determined by others’ opinions 45:27 Would a self-realized person still meditate? 49:53 Commentary on the sayings of Anandamayi Ma 50:45 About Brahmacharini Atmananda 51:33 Anandamayi Ma’s multi-language capacity 54:51 Getting Ma to answer definitely 57:56 Anandamayi Ma and the black magician #AnandamayiMa #Meditation #Satsang 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/
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 3 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.

As Good As It Gets!!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
Thank you very much for this, thank you for your podcast. Please help 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.

thank you

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.