The Bhagavad Gita Series with Amish and Bhavna

EP 31: Chapter 16, Verse 4 – Hypocrisy & Whataboutery

Welcome to another episode of our Bhagavad Gita series with Amish and Bhavna! In this thought-provoking episode of the Bhagavad Gita podcast series, Amish and Bhavna dive deep into Chapter 16, Verse 4—a chapter that explores the divine and demoniac qualities. This discussion begins with a reflection on what Bhagavad Gita has to say about those who may possess demoniac characteristics as listed in Chapter 16, Verse 4. They have in them- hypocrisy, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness and ignorance. They then discuss the term many of us are familiar with today: Whataboutery.  And is it always wrong?Together, Amish and Bhavna unpack how: Whataboutery often surfaces during arguments or conflicts, especially in relationships. Instead of sticking to the issue, we tend to shift focus by calling out past actions or hypocrisy.The concept isn't inherently negative—calling out hypocrisy is valid when done with self-awareness.Double standards, arrogance, and blame-shifting are not a virtue and Gita warns us against it. In relationships, self-reflection and fair communication go much further than clever comebacks. Amish also reflects that Whataboutery can, in some cases, be a valid form of accountability—as long as it's not rooted in double hypocrisy. Join us as we explore how the ancient wisdom of the Gita remains deeply relevant to modern emotional, social, and moral dilemmas. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more meaningful conversations on the Bhagavad Gita! #BhagavadGita #AmishTripathi #BhavnaRoy #Whataboutery #Hypocrisy #GitaWisdom

EP 30: Chapter 2, Verse 31 | Weapons Don’t Win Wars. Wisdom Does

Join Amish and Bhavna in this compelling episode of the Bhagavad Gita podcast series as they dive deep into Chapter 2, Verse 31—a pivotal moment where Krishna urges Arjuna to embrace his duty as a warrior without hesitation. The discussion explores what it truly means to follow a warrior’s code, drawing parallels between the Gita’s teachings and the legendary Bushido code of the Japanese Samurai, which emphasized virtues like honour, courage, and loyalty12. The conversation journeys through the Pashtunwali code, an ancient set of unwritten rules that shapes Pashtun society, emphasizing honour, hospitality, and justice. Amish and Bhavna contrast these traditions with the approach of Turkic soldiers, highlighting the difference between mere fighters and true warriors—those who live by a code and uphold a higher standard of conduct. The episode also examines the consequences of misunderstanding cultural codes, using America’s experience in Afghanistan as a case study in how failing to respect local customs and values can lead to profound mistakes. Through these stories and insights, listeners are invited to reflect on the timeless relevance of the warrior’s code, the importance of understanding the “enemy,” and the universal quest for honour and righteousness in every culture. Tune in for an enriching conversation that blends ancient wisdom with contemporary lessons, offering a fresh perspective on duty, identity, and the meaning of being a true warrior. 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enRkNHET_yE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enRkNHET_yE] 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diLHa_DNOvQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diLHa_DNOvQ] 3. https://www.natstrat.org/articledetail/publications/-58.html [https://www.natstrat.org/articledetail/publications/-58.html] 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashtunwali [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashtunwali] 5. https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/2/verse/31 [https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/2/verse/31] 6. https://vivekavani.com/b2v31/ [https://vivekavani.com/b2v31/] 7. https://asitis.com/2/31.html [https://asitis.com/2/31.html] 8. https://gitajourney.com/2011/10/30/bhagavad-gita-verse-31-chapter-2/ [https://gitajourney.com/2011/10/30/bhagavad-gita-verse-31-chapter-2/] 9. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/shrimad-bhagavad-gita/d/doc419769.html [https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/shrimad-bhagavad-gita/d/doc419769.html] 10. http://thepukhtunkhwa.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-code-of-pashtunwali.html [http://thepukhtunkhwa.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-code-of-pashtunwali.html] 11. https://shlokam.org/bhagavad-gita/2-31/ [https://shlokam.org/bhagavad-gita/2-31/] 12. https://www.bhagavad-gita.org/Gita/verse-02-31.html [https://www.bhagavad-gita.org/Gita/verse-02-31.html] 13. https://www.churchofasphodel.org/kob/bushido-the-warrior-code-of-the-samurai.html [https://www.churchofasphodel.org/kob/bushido-the-warrior-code-of-the-samurai.html] 14. https://cittabhavanayoga.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/sutra-study-bhagavad-gita-chapter-2-verse-31-53/ [https://cittabhavanayoga.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/sutra-study-bhagavad-gita-chapter-2-verse-31-53/] 15. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushido] 16. https://www.eurac.edu/en/blogs/gender-matters/a-traditional-code-and-its-consequences-how-pashtunwali-affects-women-and-minorities [https://www.eurac.edu/en/blogs/gender-matters/a-traditional-code-and-its-consequences-how-pashtunwali-affects-women-and-minorities] 17. https://trueindology.com/bhagavad-gita-weekly-chapter-2-sankhya-yoga-a-warrior-must-fight-verses-31-to-38-part-12/ [https://trueindology.com/bhagavad-gita-weekly-chapter-2-sankhya-yoga-a-warrior-must-fight-verses-31-to-38-part-12/] 18. https://mai-ko.com/travel/japanese-history/samurai/bushido-the-code-of-samurai/ [https://mai-ko.com/travel/japanese-history/samurai/bushido-the-code-of-samurai/] 19. https://pukhtoogle.com/pukhtunwali-pashtunwali-code/ [https://pukhtoogle.com/pukhtunwali-pashtunwali-code/] 20. https://www.bhagavadgitaforall.com/verses/2-31 [https://www.bhagavadgitaforall.com/verses/2-31]

EP 29: Chapter 1, Verse 23 – Shatrubodh & Swayambodh

Join Amish and Bhavna as they dive deep into the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring Chapter 1, Verse 23. In this episode, they unravel the concepts of Shatrubodh (understanding the enemy) and Swayambodh (understanding oneself), drawing rich connections between the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and contemporary issues.What to Expect in This Episode: * Scriptural Insights: Discover the significance of Arjuna’s dilemma in the Kurukshetra battlefield and how it relates to knowing both the adversary and oneself. * Historical Parallels: Explore how these themes echo through the Mahabharata (where the shatru was within the family) and Ramayana (where the united family fought against an outside enemy), offering lessons that are still relevant today. * Modern Reflections:Amish and Bhavna discuss the importance of Shatrubodh and Swayambodh in the context of the India-Pakistan war and ongoing relations, highlighting why understanding both the external and internal battles is crucial for individuals and nations. * Personal Growth: Learn how the ancient teachings of the Gita can help us navigate conflicts, make better decisions, and foster self-awareness. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that bridges the past and present, helping you understand not just the world around you, but also the world within. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes on the Bhagavad Gita .

EP 28: Chapter 10 Verse 38 | Secrets and Silence

In this episode of Amish and Bhavna’s Bhagavad Gita Series, we dive deep into Chapter 10, Verse 38, exploring the profound themes of secrets, authenticity, and the transformative power of silence.  Lord Krishna declares:"Amongst secrets, I am silence, and in the wise, I am their wisdom." Keeping Someone’s Secret:Being trusted with someone’s secret is a true test of character. It means you are their safe space—a person with whom they can unburden their heart. The ability to hold someone’s confidence is a rare and beautiful quality. Telling Someone Your Secret:Sharing your own secret is like handing someone a microphone and hoping they’ll never use it. Yet, we all need to unburden ourselves. It’s essential to have at least one safe space, chosen with care. When we hide everything from everyone, we end up living as two versions of ourselves: * The outward persona we show the world * The inward self who knows the truth This split can make us feel like we’re always acting, even around those closest to us. Over time, the gap between these two selves widens, and we may lose sight of who we truly are—much like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The Power of Silence:But the Gita also teaches us about the strength found in silence. In today’s noisy, information-overloaded world, silence is rare and powerful. Practicing silence—whether through mindfulness, meditation, or simply pausing before we respond—gives us clarity, helps us process information, and allows us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Silence can prevent unnecessary conflicts and become a source of inner strength and understanding. Join us as we reflect on: * How secrets shape our relationships and sense of self * The importance of authenticity in a world full of masks * The profound wisdom and peace that silence can bring

EP 27: Forgiveness & Punishment

Welcome to another episode of our Bhagavad Gita series with Amish and Bhavna! In this thought-provoking discussion, Amish and Bhavna explore the deeper meanings of two powerful shlokas from the Gita—Chapter 16, Verse 3 and Chapter 10, Verse 38. They begin by unpacking the divine qualities listed in Chapter 16, Verse 3, focusing especially on kṣamā (forgiveness). While forgiveness is considered a divine virtue, they reflect on how indiscriminate forgiveness—especially towards those who repeatedly do wrong—can lead to chaos. The conversation emphasizes that true wisdom sometimes requires ensuring that wrong actions have consequences, so important lessons are learned and justice is upheld. Moving to Chapter 10, Verse 38, the discussion delves into Krishna’s declaration: “I am just punishment amongst the means of preventing lawlessness and proper conduct amongst those who seek victory.” This verse highlights the necessity of appropriate discipline and the role of statesmanship in society. Amish and Bhavna connect this to current events, discussing how some activists advocate for peace with Pakistan, but question whether such gestures are deserved without genuine change or accountability for past actions. Join us for a nuanced conversation that blends ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance, challenging us to rethink forgiveness, justice, and the true meaning of peace. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more episodes exploring the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita! #BhagavadGita #AmishTripathi #Bhavna #Forgiveness #Justice #Peace #GitaWisdom 1. https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/16/verse/1 [https://www.holy-bhagavad-gita.org/chapter/16/verse/1] 2. https://shlokam.org/bhagavad-gita/16-3/ [https://shlokam.org/bhagavad-gita/16-3/] 3. https://bhagavadgita.io/chapter/16/verse/3 [https://bhagavadgita.io/chapter/16/verse/3] 4. https://www.supremeknowledge.org/chapter-10/bhagavad-gita-chapter-10-verse-38/ [https://www.supremeknowledge.org/chapter-10/bhagavad-gita-chapter-10-verse-38/] 5. https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/shrimad-bhagavad-gita/d/doc420094.html [https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/shrimad-bhagavad-gita/d/doc420094.html] SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES  Instagram - https://instagram.com/authoramish [https://instagram.com/authoramish] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/authoramish [https://www.facebook.com/authoramish] X/Twitter - https://x.com/authoramish - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amish-tripathi-60080719b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amish-tripathi-60080719b] Whatsapp - https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaiNhDh3WHTdPS2lAQ3R [https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaiNhDh3WHTdPS2lAQ3R] Threads - https://www.threads.net/@authoramish [https://www.threads.net/@authoramish] Linktree - https://linktr.ee/AuthorAmish?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c9bd23bd-d825-4cc8-b3ba-b4821f77728a [https://linktr.ee/AuthorAmish?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=c9bd23bd-d825-4cc8-b3ba-b4821f77728a]