The Three Vedic Paths: Vaishnava, Shaiva and Shakta

The question of why there are three separate paths within the
Vedic tradition has been an unnecessary mystery for too long.
For the first time ever, the Vedic tradition's most dynamic living
Guru explains the exact nature and relationship between the paths
of Vaishnavism, Shaivism and Shaktism authoritatively and
conclusively.
For more information on the teachings of Sri Acharyaji, visit our website: www.dharmacentral.com.
If you have benefited in any way from watching this video, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. It is only by your donations that we can continue making these videos available to the public. Please donate today: dharmacentral.c...

[@DharmaNation]

Please like, subscribe, comment and share this video on all of your social media. Our goal is to reach 100,000 subscribers as soon as possible. Please donate to the non-profit International Sanatana Dharma Society movement. Please purchase Sri Acharyaji's amazing books, especially "Sanatana Dharma: The Eternal Natural Way". Help us to restore Dharma in our world by awakening the minds of our people, healing them from their suffering, and empowering them spiritually. We can only accomplish this with your active help. www.dharmacentral.com. Thank you!

[@sensusanto]

Many people describe the three sects in historical terms. But really, it is one of the most interesting and perfect philosophies.Thank you very much, sir, for this deep explanation. All Hindus must watch this... Surely!

[@ValeriaSomertide]

I was first introduced to you through "Survive the Jive", and I am so grateful for that! I could listen to you speak all day. I deeply appreciate how you are able to explain these concepts clearly to a Western audience.

[@emiitheastralwalker3791]

I really love this video. I've wanted to explore Hinduism as my path, but every time I go to research it, I get confused with layers upon layers of sectarianism and can never tell which book correlates to which, or who worships who, or whatever. This cleared up so much for me on a level that most accurately reflects my own beliefs on religion and spirituality.

[@Mahadev_BHAKT.....]

Well are you Shaivites,Vaishnava or Shakta.

[@gage9552]

Just got done listening to the beginning verse from the Gita on Audible and then this video shows up. Krishna is amazing.

[@moonlighthandcrafts5262]

I asked God a question and He led me to this video. Vishnu, always so merciful. Thank you.

[@DiamondHobbit]

I have been studying for a long time, trying to uncover this. I started reading the Bhagavad Gita and realized that Vishnu is considered Supreme.

[@JajooAtinKumar]

I also want to know my self my Dharam my sampradaya if u hv succeded pls share ur views or guide

[@RikthDcruze]

I'm a Shakta! And I respect Vaishnavism and Shaivism, and the paths they choose to respect.

[@kguna74]

I have had the same question on my head for many years. You put it together brilliantly. Many thanks to enlighten.

[@kamalmukhopadhyay8364]

Astonished! So depth knowledge of vedic dharma .why herein India preachers are not explaining in this way?Thankyou lot;it will help me to filter myself

[@political-social]

Despite all my study so far, I would have died without this knowledge if it were not for you Guru. Taking notes as I'm listening! You make it make sense!

[@jinvid]

I just subscribed immediately to your channel based on this video alone! Thank you so much for all your hard work and your amazing explanation of what it means to be a Vaishnav. I’ve been a Shaivite for years through the teachings of my father. But 6 years ago I went through an experience in Temple on Mahashivratri. I stood in front of the lingam and prayed deeply to Lord Shiva and in that moment it was as if the world fell away from me and everything went BLANK. I saw people around me in prayer yet I felt I wasn’t there. I was somehow not in my body, I was looking at everything from a 3rd person perspective. I looked at everything and everyone in that temple and it all felt as one yet individual. It was as if everything was nothing yet that nothing WAS everything. I apologize for not being able to describe this experience with better clarity but after that blankness I went through a period of atheism. I would say I was a fool for not realizing it then and Not reading the sign from Lord Shiva Himself. That’s when I met someone who has become a close family friend to me now and who is a devout follower of Lord Krishna and he too revealed to me that he used to be a Shaivaite and he too went through the void as he called it but it was that void that brought him to Krishna. In other words, like you said, Lord Shiva led him to whom He worships. I’ve been struggling with myself to let go of Shiva because I worshipped Him for so long but now I know which path is truly the one true path all thanks to you and my close friend. It’s almost as if Krishna placed him and great individuals such as yourself to open the pathway for me to go to Him. Thank you so much.

[@martinusraharjosuryanto1417]

Thank you so much, Acharya ji. This video has opened my eyes that Shri Narayana/Vishnu/Krishna has really an enormous love towards every jiva that He lets them gradually experiencing Him through these three paths.

[@47atim]

Pranam Guruji, for this upload, it has put more biswas (faith & devotion) into my wavering belief. HE is the only goal of my conscious reality.Bless us all , Pranam again.

[@political-social]

I actually hit the 'like' button before I listen to your lectures now. Your lectures have changed my life. You have made my beloved Dharma and Vedic knowledge understandable to me. I am middle aged and you are my bridge...from my understanding to my way...which is the Dharma way. I hope to meet you one day!

[@harshgaminggoku2739]

Very nice and simple explation guru ji. Most of Hindus didn't know about this .Even in India many gurus can't explain the difference. Thank u

[@Ballosopheraptor]

Engrish is the language of oneness brother ; ) Peace and love and also understanding!!

[@alokranjanmishra3088]

Today I got finally satisfied answer about GOD. after watched all video . Thx guru

[@alokranjanmishra3088]

Finally !! Today I am so happy bcz I came to know that what is god and how many god we have and why we have so many god . Answer : We have only one god but in different divine. Hats of Guru Ji !! Today I got finally satisfied answer about GOD . Note : I wanted to know about the god with Scientific & archaeologist proof . I had been trying to get know about god . That one I got it . Feeling so lucky .

[@vikashkumarram2326]

guru ji you are light of sanatan dharm in western culture

[@goldenliq8142]

Light of Sanatana Dharma in the whole English speaking world! We need translations in Spanish and all major languages! Gurur Brahmaa Gurur Vishnu Gurur Devo Maheshwarah Guru Saakshaata Parabrahma Tasmai Shri Guruve Namah!

[@prabalsinha972]

@V. K. Ram In eastern world as well. So many of us are having clarity for the first time.

[@AngelicStormz]

Wow! To think I'm back to your videos after a year of research. Amazing world.

[@zeljkakakarigi3301]

Pranams, thank you jaya Srila Prabhupada and sincere helpers ! Blessings to all ! ~ 🌼🌿💙💖hare krsna hare krsna krsna krnsa hare hare - hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare ~ 💙💖🌿🌼~

[@ritagupta2416]

Great intellectual understanding of Sanatan Dharm. Thank you.

[@harroos417]

I love your videos and teachings of knowledge

[@lovehumans5516]

Hare krsna, hare krsna krsna krsna, hare hare hare rama, hare rama rama rama, hare hare

[@anujadhikari6311]

Thankyou guru for clearing my years long doubt 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@miray1515]

Finally, I could make sense of all of this. Thank you for putting it so elaborately.

[@HeavyTrippin]

I love this guy!

[@gauravsingh6851]

now I can understand the God and everything, before i was confused.

[@tchh6068]

Explained to the fullest reality of vedic path by Sri Acharya ji. Please please everyone following the Sanatan dharma or so called Hindu (by mistake) dharma must listen to the transparent and ethical discussion given by Sri Acharya ji....

[@jankolomycki1662]

Namaste! Very useful information. Thank you so much!

[@nataliefairy]

I appreciate this video so much. I was looking for some sense of clarity as I began my studies and it seems I have found it. :-) Thank you for the time and devotion taken to present such a well made talk and video. I especially liked the words on the screen during the lecture and references to texts in between sections, it makes it very easy to follow and retain information. I will refer to this video again and again. I look forward to watching the other videos on your channel. Thank you once again.

[@cassandrasiraganda2940]

Very beautiful and highly intelligent - i love it!!! I love Radha-Krishna!

[@alexcorcoran7807]

Hare Krishna!!!

[@ethanmax9861]

Sublime and crystal clear.

[@tamarajones3773]

Thank you so much for clearing up my confusion.

[@gix459]

This shows Lord Vishnu or Lord Krsna is God Himself , the Supreme Personality of Godhead

[@narayanachakra3288]

You mean naryana yes he is thats why vedas calls naryana purusha who made everything and veda itself says all name in vedas is hold by only one god who has lotus at his navel .i.e. naryana and almost all vedanti accepted naryana as supreme parabhrhaman

[@ajmac2255]

pure quality

[@snowybudz4679]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video, i have subscribed. Thank you from England.

[@hnc2383]

so good and clear!

[@palania.subramaniam4271]

Thank you so much. I hope to begin my journey into Sanatha Dharma, please bless me for the journey ahead. 🙏

[@PARTHASARATHIJS]

Excellent explanation with super clarity.

[@konkwistador_percepcji]

wow good teaching, love this channel

[@chekavar8733]

namsthe acharyaji your youtube uploads inspiration to me

[@drmahlek9321]

As someone from a Heathen reconstructionist perspective, I see this through the Tripartite nature of the soul and society. Vaishna = Odin Shiva = Thor Shakti = Frey They represent the same things as each other. This is why I see the native faiths of Europe as close cousins of the Indian tradition of Sanatana Dharma.

[@earendilevenstar5876]

Óđinn is actually the deity closest to humanity (past, present, future. He speaks with the dead, lives with them, and asks them for information about future events. He might even be viewed as the sum of the ancestors). His name means "the Mad One". Madness (angriness/craziness) is an activity of the mind/consciousness. If anything, Óđinn is Shiva. Þórr is associated with natural phenomena, and so is Freyr. I'd say Þórr and Freyr are in the same boat as parts of Shakta. However, Freyr, especially in his older form, has a heavy lordly, Solar aspect (rather than simply being an agriculture/fertility god). Freyr was originally considered to be the Solar supreme god, which would align with the Vedic understanding of Vishnu. Additionally, we know that Óđinn was not originally the supreme god (probably taking that role from both Freyr or Týr, depending on location). Anyway point is, we don't have a clear picture of the original forms of these gods, and it takes effort to piece things together. There is little reason to assume that the Óđinn we have preserved in our sources is His original form. I think this is more likely: 1) Vishnu - Týr/Freyr/other. 2) Shiva - Óđinn (the Germanic Mercury). 3) Shakta - Þórr/Freyr/many others (possibly Týr).

[@earendilevenstar5876]

Óđinn, like Shiva and Mercury (who he was synchronized with), is sort of a divine priest, serving as a 'god who worships the gods' and thus a link between humanity and the divine (whilst also being divine Himself). This makes a lot of sense when you understand Óđinn as the totality of human consciousness (i.e. a very easy way to conceptualize a path to the divine would be through human consciousness).

[@mohanudiavar]

Hari Om Tat Sat

[@tennisboy1314]

Thank you for this.

[@PhilosophiCat]

Great explanation

[@tomashughes6310]

excellent, concise video! Thank you, i will be checking out more of your stuff and Subscribe.

[@biklabmedhi289]

aum namah bhagavate vasudevaya.

[@timhennessey7778]

what a great teacher!

[@S9287-u7m]

AWESOME!!

[@ramarajdas.8900]

Amazing explanation....one of the best.

[@marymadalenem2351]

Wow, honor to you! Chills up the back of my neck.. Thank you Blessings

[@katyayanivishnupriya2583]

Simply outstanding Hare Krishna

[@MSchmitz77]

I've read mostly Vaishnava scriptures and I hang out at my local ISKCON temple. Since ISKCON is the only Vedic organization in my area, I go to them to learn about the Vedas, and I at least agree with most of what they say. However, I find that I'm more drawn to Lord Shiva most of the time. Even though there seems to be more scriptural justifications for Narayana to be the supreme being, I have more of the personality traits of someone who would follow Shiva. It appears that the path of Shiva suits me more, but I'm confused as to what scripture I should accept, and how I should go as far as choosing a path. What should I do in this case? Would worship of Shiva bring me closer to Narayana/Krishna if Shiva is revered as the greatest of Vaishnavas?

[@DharmaNation]

Thank you for your question, Max. The ultimate question that you need to ask yourself before dedicating yourself to a specific marga (path) is: what is it that you are ultimately seeking spiritually? Are you seeking primarily self-realization? Are you seeking God-consciousness? If the latter, then are you seeking to truly know God in the highest, or a secondary or tertiary aspect of God? If you are seeking to truly know God in the highest, then you are seeking Sriman Narayana, or Vishnu. That being the case, the path you should dedicated yourself to is without doubt Vaishnava Dharma. As for your additional attraction to Shiva, there are many Vaishnavas who also find themselves drawn to have a connection with one or another of the devas and/or devis, in addition to having Sriman Narayana as their primary focus of worship. Since it is, indeed the case that Lord Shiva is himself a great devotee of Vishnu (as you yourself stated), there is no conflict in also offering one's sincere respect to Shiva, in addition to having Sriman Narayana as your actual ishta-devata. All this being said, it seems that the natural path for you would be the path of Vaishnavism. Ultimately, of course, that is a decision that you will have to make for yourself. In any case, welcome to the path of Sanatana Dharma!

[@paulthomas281]

@@DharmaNation Thank you. Wonderful explanation for our benefit all of us.

[@Nanananana127]

Great question and wonderful answer. So since Shiva too meditates upon Narayana, does Krishna also do the same? Or is Krishna Brahma itself as I understand he’s portrayed in the Gita. I too am confused between chanting Om Namah Shivaya or Hare Krishna Hare Rama.

[@DharmaNation]

​@@Nanananana127 Namaste Ya Ra. It is explained in the ten canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam that Lord Krishna, being God, necessarily meditates upon Himself. Only Lord Narayana and His avataras are able to meditate upon Themselves, because They are direct aspects of God (Vishnu-Tattva). As far as your question on mantras, the very best mantra to meditate upon is Aum Namo Narayanaya. One only should meditate upon Aum Namah Shivaya if one's goal is only self-realization without God-Consciousness.

[@Nanananana127]

@@DharmaNation Namaste and thank you for your reply! I have been practicing vipassana, which now seems is a path of self realisation. Though I’ve never been sure of god, I love reading the Gita and practice yoga and am reading Patanjali’s yoga sutras. I also love singing and chanting, and this maybe opening myself up towards the path of god realisation. I never saw spiritually categorised into the three paths that are mentioned in the video. Does one need a guru that’s specifically geared towards god realisation?

[@janrajcj]

Amazing ...I would like to be your disciple...

[@alejandromorales1904]

Jai Gurudev!

[@buddhanaturedm]

very informative

[@vtphi]

Om namo narayanaya 🙏🏽

[@alexcorcoran7807]

As a vaishnava is it ok for me to chant the maha mantra and do meditation and pranayama

[@DharmaNation]

Absolutely. Meditation and pranayama are both Vaishnava in their origin and goal.

[@kiakumar7566]

Acharya Ji is Ajanbahu ( one with long arms ) its a trait of divinity

[@prabalsinha972]

I am pleasantly surprised. I find him most authentic. Sri Rama, Arjuna and Gandhi were also ajanabahus (bahu/ arms that reach whole length of janu/ thigh).

[@alexandrian7772]

I can’t choose. All three paths seem very important.

[@DharmaNation]

In the beginning of one's spiritual exploration, it is very natural to be attracted to a wide variety of ideas, practices and traditions. As one naturally matures in their spiritual development and understanding, however, it is usually the case that a person will eventually settle upon a path that most aligns with their actual, personal motivation and goals in spiritual pursuit. It is only at that point that true and meaningful spiritual advancement begins. Please continue exploring authentic Vedic spirituality from legitimate sources, and you will eventually find your sva-marga, the path that is most in keeping with your own nature and inner desires.

[@alexandrian7772]

DharmaNation Thank you for your reply. I feel reassured.

[@ravindrabhatt1368]

om

[@PearlX9]

Thank you

[@brindonsteckel1459]

pure awesomeness dude bros.!!!

[@suntzuwarsword1964]

Thank you🙏

[@mimlad]

Excellent swami🙏

[@agmg245]

Candid

[@agmg245]

Profound

[@patrickvernon5368]

Read the dharma manifesto. Great stuff. Does he film his "worship services"? I would like to start the spirit path from that perspective and not just the philosophical approach but because I've never been to a temple I don't know how I would even begin

[@DharmaNation]

Thank you for your very kind comments, Patrick. Unfortunately, we don't air our services live. But many of the videos on our KZbin channel are from the lecture portion of our services. For more practical guidance on how to practice Sanatana Dharma, please get a copy of Acharya's main book "Sanatana Dharma: The Eternal Natural Way". This book contains both philosophy, as well as many rituals and meditation practices that you can follow. dharmacentral.com/Sanatana-Dharma-Book.html

[@jassibrar5404]

Can one practice all of them in life?

[@DharmaNation]

Sadly, to attempt to practice all three of these paths simultaneously would be to practice each of these paths very imperfectly. In addition, to follow all of these paths at the same time would lead to a form of spiritual schizophrenia and confusion. It is better to choose one of these paths and practice it perfectly, with faith, focus and fidelity.

[@jassibrar5404]

@@DharmaNation thank you !

[@hssy2jrocker]

@@jassibrar5404 each tradition has their own interpretation of the others. Vaishnavas worship Vishnu. Shaivites worship Shiva. But they also workshop Shakti Goddesses in the form of Laxmi and Parvati who are seen as wives of Vishnu and Shiva respectively. That's just my layman interpretation. However, I belong to the land of Kamakhya (one of the most important piths of Shakti worship) and this is what I have learned from my experiences and culture: Shakti worship is very different. Here, priests use alcohol and meat instead of ghee and fruits and so on. The prime goddess here is Mother Kamkhya who is a form of Mother Kali. That is why, we often say Thank you Goddess or its Mother's blessings (whenever we achieve something), rather than Thank You God or by God's grace. Yet this Shakti tradition has its own interpretation of Shiva. It's called Siddheswar who is an incarnation of Shiva. On Shiv ratri, we offer meat and alcohol to Siddheswar and worship him. Similarly, Vishnu is also worshipped within this tradition. To summarise, every tradition worships every God in their own way. Follow what appeals the most to you!

[@SanataniRonit]

🙏

[@danqueseq01]

Are you aquatinted with Saint John of the Cross and the Mount of perfection? So many similarities with the subject of this talk

[@findmestudios]

My goal is mystical. I like non duality, and I want to be one with god. I’m drawn to Shiva, I’m still not sure why. Regardless, would Shaivism be for me? Or should I check out others? I been chanting to several gods as I’m try to find my path

[@DharmaNation]

Namaste. Thank you for your question. The most important question that you need to ask yourself is what is your ultimate goal spiritually. Not all spiritual practitioners are seeking the same goal for themselves. This is the primary reason why there are several paths within the Vedic context, all of which have different goals. Paths are not all the same. Is your goal a feeling of oneness with the Earth, with the various natural energies of the cosmos, and devotion to a goddess? Then Shaktism should perhaps be your path. Is your goal self-realization and/or union with the all-pervasive principle of consciousness? Then Shaivism should maybe be your path. Is your goal pure and devotional God-consciousness, in addition to also achieving the lessor goals of the former two paths? Then Vaishnavism should most definitely be your path. Vaishnava Dharma is the path for all those who are seeking to know God perfectly, in the highest, and on God's own terms. But, in addition to knowing God perfectly, Vaishnava Dharma also gifts us with the end-results of the former two paths as well. It is for this reason that the path of Vaishnavism is praised throughout the totality of the Vedic scriptures as the path par excellence, as the ultimate culmination of all Vedic spirituality.

[@leonardoortiz613]

Would it be wrong to thing of Shiva Vishnu Shakti as one?

[@DharmaNation]

Namaste, Leonardo. It is not so much that it would be wrong; but it would definitely be imprecise and inaccurate. Reverting to "they are all just one" is a New Age approach, and not a Vedantic one. That is, it is an all too easy and lethargic approach, and not a truly philosophical one. Vishnu, Shiva and Shakti are actually three very distinct beings, who all have their own personalities, functions, wills and ontological states of being. If we are to respect them fully, then we must fully acknowledge their distinct and unique natures. To say that they are all just "one" is actually to disrespect them all. And showing respect is one of the most important practices in the tradition of Sanatana Dharma. Hopefully this answers your question. Aum Shanti.

[@leonardoortiz613]

Namaste Thank you this truly was an eye opener for me 🍃🕉️

[@leonardoortiz613]

Into this faith

[@WallAirts]

Are these three paths equivalent to the castes ? Vaishnava-Brahman, Shaiva-Kshatriya, etc.

[@Starstruck-v2u]

No, not related to caste. Different route to worship different gods. Overall each sect would have a different lifestyle with different restrictions and freedoms. So personal choice