In this captivating episode, Rasik Swami (formally Swami B.B. Rasikananda Maharaja) continues his Jagannath katha by weaving together the mysteries of Krishna, Jagannath, and Srimati Radhika’s love. Exploring how the Lord’s ecstasy of separation manifests as a divine fever, he reveals why opulence cannot satisfy Krishna’s heart and how only the dust of Srimati Radhika’s lotus feet can bring Him relief. Through the stories of Jagannath’s samadhi, the songs of the Gopis, and the Lord’s longing to return to Braj, we are invited into the deep truth that Krishna’s greatest hunger is for pure, selfless love.This class was recorded in Toronto, Canada on September 13, 2025.
In this profound discourse, Rasik Swami (formally Swami BB Rasikananda Maharaja) reveals how the all-powerful Lord of the universe, Sri Jagannath, is conquered not by grandeur or wealth, but by the pure devotion of the heart. Drawing from the intimate satsang of Rohini Mata and the queens of Dwaraka, he illuminates how the unparalleled love of Srimati Radhika and the residents of Vraja unveils the deepest truth of Krishna’s nature—that the Supreme Lord becomes restless, melts, and even transforms His divine form when touched by prema. Through these timeless pastimes, Rasik Swami shows us that one sincere tear of devotion has more power to draw the Lord than all opulence combined, guiding us to the essence of bhakti: offering the lamp of love from the heart.This class was recorded in Toronto, Canada on September 13, 2025.
In this episode of the Rasik Swami Podcast, Rasik Swami (formally Swami BB Rasikananda Maharaja) shares the profound lesson that the boundless ocean of divine love is unlocked not by wealth, strength, or effort, but by the smallest drop of genuine devotion—a single tear of prema. Through stories of Lord Nityananda’s unconditional compassion, Radharani’s merciful glance, and the power of chanting the holy name, Rasik Swami reveals how mercy alone transforms the heart and makes the impossible possible. Listeners are guided to see that bhakti is not earned, but gifted, flooding our lives when we surrender with simplicity, humility, and love.
This class was recorded in Toronto, Canada on September 12, 2025.
In this episode, Rasik Swami (formally B.B. Rasikananda Maharaja) explores the true essence of Krishna consciousness as an inner stream flowing through the purified heart. Drawing from the teachings of Srila Rupa Goswami, Lord Chaitanya, and our Guruvarga, he explains how external practices and temples point us toward the deeper reality of establishing the Lord within our own heart-temple. Through reflections on prema, humility, and the service mood of the manjari-bhavas, Rasik Swami illuminates how real Krishna consciousness means transcending ego, becoming the servant of the servant, and aligning our every thought and action with the joy of Radha and Krishna.
This class was recorded in Oxford, England on August 7, 2025.
In this episode, Rasik Swami (formally B.B. Rasikananda Maharaja) explores the profound mystery of the oneness of the heart in divine love, drawing from the teachings of Srila Rupa Goswami, the pastimes of Srimati Radhika and Sri Krishna, and the legacy of our Gaudiya guru-varga. Through the lens of sacred texts like Prem Samput and Gita Govinda, Rasikswami reveals how true prema is not a matter of philosophy or intellect, but an experience of the heart that unites the devotee with the moods of Radha and Krishna. With reflections on Lord Chaitanya’s inner purpose, the service of the manjaris, and the role of the guru as the mirror of divine love, this katha invites us to enter deeper into the sweetness of bhakti, where love transcends all separation and hearts become one in devotion.
This class was recorded at Bhaktivendanta Manor in Watford, England on August 6, 2025.
Episode 23 - Sweet Childhood Pastimes of Radha-Krishna
Episode 23, The Sweet Childhood Pastimes of Radha-Krishna, takes us deep into the enchanting world of Vrindavan, where the divine couple’s playful, mischievous, and tender exchanges reveal the purest essence of love. Through stories of Mother Yashoda’s gifts, Krishna’s clever games, Radharani’s blessings, and the laughter of the gopis, Rasik Swami (formally B.B. Rasikananda Maharaja) explores how Radha and Krishna forget their roles as God and Goddess and simply revel in the joy of one another’s company. Woven with philosophy, devotion, and vivid storytelling, these sweet pastimes invite us to glimpse the eternal love at the heart of creation and inspire us to cultivate that same pure devotion within our own hearts.
Ep. 22 - Desire Shapes Destiny
In this soul-stirring episode, Rasikswami explores the mysterious force that molds our lives: desire. Sharing personal reflections and rich anecdotes—from childhood dreams of football to the spiritual longing ignited by saints—he reveals how our internal and external environments shape our aspirations, and how our soul’s true desire is awakened through sadhu-saṅga, the association of saintly devotees. Anchored in the teachings of Śrīla Gurudeva and the Bhakti tradition, this class illuminates the transformation from material longing to divine yearning, reminding us that destiny begins not with effort alone, but with the right desire—born from grace, nurtured by saints, and fulfilled through love.
Ep. 21 – I Love Me vs. You I Love (ft. Bhaktivedanta Nemi Swami)
This intimate episode opens with a hauntingly beautiful violin performance by Bhaktivedanta Nemi Swami, who shares the origin of his song as a gift for Srila Gurudeva—a musical meditation on love’s evolution. At the 5-minute mark, Rasikswami enters with a bold dismantling of modern self-love culture, tracing its subtle dangers through the lens of Bhakti philosophy. With poetic clarity, he reveals how true fulfillment comes not from loving oneself, but from loving the Supreme Self in others. Then, at 44:25, Nemi Swami returns to the mic, diving deeper into the transformative power of selfless devotion, guiding us from narcissism to genuine love. This episode weaves together music, memory, and deep spiritual insight to ask the timeless question: who—or what—do we truly love?
In this special bonus episode of the Rasikswami Podcast, From the Rasa Dance to Sankirtan, we journey from the eternal pastimes of Krishna’s rasa dance with the gopis to the gift of sankirtan given for this age by Sri Chaitanya and Nityananda. Rasikswami explores how the rasa dance reveals the soul’s eternal relationship with Krishna, the role of Radha’s grace, and how pride and humility shape our connection with the divine. From the gopis’ heartfelt longing to the blossoming of kirtan as the highest expression of love and unity, this talk illuminates how chanting the holy names draws us into the ocean of bliss, transforms self-interest into shared devotion, and invites all souls into the ever-expanding circle of divine love.
Ep. 20 – Putting Out the Forest Fire
In this piercing and poetic episode, Rasikswami explores the inner house of the soul—our body—and the sacred Guest who dwells within. Drawing from the teachings of Lord Caitanya and the story of the saintly prostitute Pingalā, he unveils how kīrtan extinguishes the forest fire of material suffering by revealing the ever-present Supersoul in the heart. With vivid analogies, heartfelt humor, and mystical depth, he dissects the traps of external pleasure, the five ‘prostitutes’ of the senses, and the fate of our false attachments. The result is an intimate call to redirect our longing from outward entanglement to the divine relationship within, where the true Beloved awaits.
Ep. 19 – Americana Bhakti
In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Rasikswami reflects on the beautiful collision of Bhakti and the American spirit. From dusty road trips to temple basements, diners to dhāms, he shares how spiritual sincerity can bloom anywhere—even in the most unexpected places. With stories that weave together small-town honesty, big-hearted seekers, and the universal cry for divine love, this episode reminds us that Bhakti isn’t bound by geography—it flows wherever hearts are open.
Ep. 18 – Seeing the Universe Within
In this mystical episode, Rasikswami tells the story of Ganesha and the golden mango to reveal a core truth of Bhakti: the power of devotion does not lie in outward effort, but in inward realization. As Kartikeya races to encircle the world, Ganesha simply walks around his divine parents—seeing the entire universe within them. Through this tale and others, including the parables of the candle-lit room and the hidden backyard treasure, Rasikswami guides us to the essence of Bhakti as the path of simplicity, sincerity, and surrender. He reminds us that true power lies not in achievement but in connection; not in what we do, but in the love and clarity with which we do it. Through kirtan, prayer, and introspection, the mirror of the heart is polished—and in that reflection, the divine becomes visible.
Ep. 17 – Essence Over Effort
In this luminous episode, Rasikswami shares a heartfelt parable of two disciples tasked with filling a room, illuminating the deeper truth that light—and love—can do what toil alone cannot. From the battlefield of the Gita to the quiet revelations of Krishna’s divine play, we are guided into the subtle art of surrendering to essence over exertion. The stories weave lessons on responsibility, devotion, inner joy, and the breathtaking humility of Śrī Rādhā, whose love alone conquers the unconquerable. Through poetic insight and radiant reflection, this episode gently reminds us: true fulfillment begins not with strain, but with sincere connection to the divine within.
Episode 16: Sri Radha’s Victory Parade
In this breathtaking episode, Rasikswami unpacks the deep spiritual significance of Ratha-yatra—not just as a celebration, but as Sri Radha’s triumph. With poignant scriptural insight and poetic narration, he explores Krishna’s heartbreaking departure from Vrindavan, Radha’s divine madness in separation, and the crescendo of love that culminates in their reunion. Through tales of gopis lying before Krishna’s chariot and Mahaprabhu weeping in ecstasy, we come to understand how Ratha-yatra is Radha’s ultimate victory: the moment when Her love draws Krishna back home. This episode is a love letter to divine longing, reunion, and the power of selfless devotion.
Episode 15: Duty vs. Divine Love
In this stirring episode, Rasikswami explores the mystical power of aligning one’s life with divine service. Through vivid storytelling and timeless Vedic parables—including the tale of the street boy who became king—he illustrates how choosing responsibility over enjoyment awakens our true sovereignty. Drawing from the heart-wrenching dilemma of Krishna leaving Vṛndāvana to fulfill His cosmic duty, Rasikswami challenges listeners to reflect on what it means to live a life of purpose, loyalty, and deep inner devotion. A call to action for all spiritual warriors to embrace their dharma in service of Śrīmatī Rādhikā’s mission.
Episode 14 – The Complete Guru and Mission Updates
On this sacred day of Guru Pūrṇimā, Rasikswami unpacks the full meaning of “Guru”—not as a figure of the past, but as an ever-living presence in the heart. We journey from Śrī Vyāsadeva and Śukadeva Gosvāmī to the modern Yugācārya, Śrīla Bhaktivedānta Nārāyaṇa Gosvāmī Mahārāja, whose mission is still unfolding through his disciples today. With poetic stories, personal reflections, and a rallying call to serve, this class weaves timeless wisdom with real-time updates—reminding us that the torch of bhakti isn’t passed, it’s ignited within.
Ep 13 – How Śrī Guru Serves in Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa Līlā
In this heart-melting episode, Rasikswami reveals the hidden glories of Śrīla Gurudeva—not only as a guide in this world but as an eternal associate in the divine pastimes of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Drawing from Gurudeva’s own realizations and teachings, he shares how remembrance of Guru leads to entrance into the eternal līlā, and describes Sevakuñja as “the temple of Gurudeva’s heart.” Through poetic glimpses from Sankalpa-kalpadruma, we’re invited into the intimate mood of the manjarī’s service—leading Rādhārāṇī to Kṛṣṇa, fanning the Divine Couple, and glorifying Them with flower-like poetry. This is more than philosophy—it is a call to deepen our connection to Guru, whose mercy alone can unveil the true goal of bhakti.
Ep. 12 – Becoming Krishna Conscious
In this soul-stirring talk, Rasikswami shares the inner science of becoming Krishna conscious—not just in practice, but in heart and mind. Drawing from Lord Chaitanya’s teachings to Sanatana Goswami and the deep insights of his Gurudeva, he reveals how real bhakti begins when we unite body, mind, and soul through śravaṇam (hearing), kīrtanam (chanting), and smaraṇam (remembrance). With heartfelt clarity, he emphasizes that chanting is not mechanical—it’s about engaging the mind in meditation on Krishna’s form, guided by the mercy of the Guru. “Your perfection,” he reminds us, “is no longer dependent on your sadhana—it is waiting on the grace of the perfected devotee who takes responsibility for your soul.”
Ep 11 – From the Material to Spiritual Dimension
In this illuminating episode, Rasikswami unpacks two timeless parables to guide the soul from the illusions of material life to the fulfillment of spiritual reality. Drawing from Srila Gurudeva’s 2003 lecture in Alachua, we explore Lord Chaitanya’s allegories that reveal the hidden treasure buried in our true nature and the dangers of false spiritual shortcuts. With philosophical clarity and heartfelt reverence, Rasikswami shows how chanting, saintly association, and remembrance of the guru are not just practices—they are the eastward path that leads to the soul’s rightful home.
Episode 10: The Mirror of the Heart — Finding Radha-Krishna Within
In this mystical episode, Rasikswami guides us into the sacred depths of the heart, the "Chaito," as described by Lord Chaitanya in the ancient Shikshastakam prayers. Here, the heart is more than an organ—it's a mirror reflecting the divine forms of Sri Radha and Krishna. Rasikswami explains that cleansing this mirror through chanting and devotion isn't just about stillness, but about ecstatic union, revealing the soul's eternal place in the divine couple's ever-unfolding pastimes. Listen as he shares the inner secrets of how the pure devotee's heart becomes the secret grove of Radha-Krishna’s playful, loving exchanges—where the soul no longer feels alone, but eternally woven into the divine dance of love.
