Sadhguru on Krishna – A Free Webstream Every Week

In a much celebrated, one-of-a-kind program that took place at the Isha Yoga Center in September 2005, Sadhguru led a group of participants on an enigmatic, enthralling journey to explore the multifarious dimensions of Krishna. Designed by Sadhguru to the very minutest detail, Leela – the path of the playful was soaked in the “Blue Magic” – transforming the entire premises into a mystical landscape.

The Leela series is now available as a free webstream – one part every week, on ishadownloads.com. A new part will be launched every Thursday for 29 weeks. So mark the Thursdays on your calendars and bookmark ishadownloads.com!

Watch Leela - Episode 29

Please note that each episode is available free only for one week, after which it will become a pay-and-download product.

The Path of the Playful (September 11 - 17)

In this last episode of the Leela series, Sadhguru explains the role of playfulness in one’s spiritual path and how it also makes one more effective in the world. He distills the essence of how Grace works in one’s life and how it enabled Krishna to reach out to Draupadi without even being aware of her dire circumstances. Finally he leaves the participants with this potent promise – “If you can handle the immediate playfully, the ultimate I will handle for you.”

Guru: Driver or Destination? (September 4 - 10)

In this week's episode, Sadhguru again address participant's questions on Krishna's brutal decisions on the war field. In a totally different flavor, He talks about the role of a Guru and guides the participants by providing deep insight and practical methods for one's spiritual growth.

Renunciation (August 28 - September 3)

In this week's episode, Renunciation, Sadhguru explains what it means to renounce or to be a Sanyasi. He says that intense and selfless action is very important for a Sadhaka and thats why volunteering is an important aspect of Isha.

Life on Fast Forward (August 21 - 27)

In this week's episode, Sadhguru says Life happens very intensely for people on the spiritual path. Being on the spiritual path does not mean one has withdrawn from life. Spiritual means you are prepared to handle a larger slice of life.

The Perch of Personality (August 14 - 20)

In this week's episode, Sadhguru says one's own personality can become a barrier for his/her own spiritual growth. He says a devotee is one who falls off the perch of personality and walks on his own free will.

Devotion, Love and Courage (August 7 - 13)

In this episode, the participants witness several captivating artistic performances themed on devotion. One participant asks, “How to practice love and devotion?” Sadhguru talks about why being loving has become such a challenge today. Is love needed to progress on the spiritual path? If devotion and love is not possible, then one needs enormous courage, he explains.

Predicting the Future (July 31 - August 6)

In this episode Sadhguru helps the participants deepen their understanding of the perplexing paradox that is Krishna. Why does he offer his 100,000-strong army to Duryodhana before the war? What is good and evil according to Krishna? Why does Krishna resort to deceit on the battlefield?

Sadhguru reads out one of his own poems as he answers a question on prophecy and predicting the future. Finally, the participants are treated to a visual feast as the Daksha Seth Dance Company delivers a riveting performance.

Death and Beyond (July 24 - 30)

In this episode, Sadhguru answers questions about the caste system in India and the concept of duty in Krishna’s time. Why does Krishna encourage Arjuna to slay his enemies without hesitation? Another participant asks Sadhguru why Krishna claims that maintaining a single moment of awareness at death is enough for one’s liberation. Another asks, “What really happens when one dissolves completely?” Speaking from his own inner experience, Sadhguru talks about the moment of transition from the physical to the beyond.

The Takeaway (July 17 - 23)

In this episode, rich cultural performances form the perfect backdrop for Krishna’s dilemma as he prepares to embark on his mission to spread dharma after his moment of realization.

Sadhguru explains the intricate relationships between Dhritarashtra, Gandhari and their wayward son Duryodhana. Sadhguru contrasts Krishna with Duryodhana, explaining how both these human beings became so utterly different through the choices they made.

Finally, he gives a surprising answer to a participant who asks, “What is the takeaway from this Leela program?”

The Occult (July 10 - 16)

In this episode, Sadhguru makes an engaging comparison of the flamboyantly colorful Krishna with the ash-smeared ascetic Shiva.

Sadhguru also talks about the occult sciences as the cunning Shakuni conspires to use negative occult against Krishna and the Pandavas. The science of occult can also be used to bring wellbeing, explains Sadhguru, while revealing how the Sage Veda Vyasa made sure that Atharvana Veda – which is a repository of occult knowledge – was also honored with the same status as the other three sacred Vedas.

Confidence and Diffidence (July 3 - 9)

A participant asks Sadhguru what he would have done if he had been there instead of Krishna in the Mahabharata war. What is the link between action and reputation?

What is Raja yoga? What does Krishna mean when he says, “Hesitation is the worst sin”?

Sadhguru addresses these topics, and talks at length about confidence and diffidence, giving examples of life situations that he himself faced as a young man in his schooldays.

Draupadi's Story (June 26 - July 2)

In this episode Sadhguru takes us through the story of Draupadi and the events around her that moulded her into a fiery and proud woman. After she marries the Pandavas, Duryodhana hatches a despicable plot to disrobe Draupadi in public. She calls out for help – “Krishna!” and is saved from humiliation by Krishna’s grace.

Sadhguru addresses a crucial issue – How do we fix the injustice that is happening to the women in our society?

Guru’s Presence (June 19 - 25)

This episode starts with a question about the importance a Guru’s physical presence.

Through the story of Gautama the Buddha and his disciple and constant companion Anandateertha, Sadhguru illustrates the significance and the limitations of the Guru’s physical presence.

He also explains what Krishna means when he talks about action without expectation and why this has become such a popular teaching. Finally, Sadhguru takes us through the pivotal moment in Mahabharata when Krishna gives Arjuna a glimpse of his all-inclusive universal form as the Vishvaroopa Darshana.

Action and Inaction (June 12 - 18)

In this episode Sadhguru goes into great depth to explain Krishna’s teachings about action. In answer to a question, Sadhguru explains the importance of action and the true meaning of sacrifice as propounded by Krishna.

He also explains the intricate relationship between action and inaction and the importance of having both together within a person.

Women in Krishna’s Life (June 5 - 11)

In this episode, Sadhguru talks about the role of women in Krishna’s life. Satyabama prides herself on being Krishna’s most beloved but soon has to swallow her pride as she makes a futile attempt to measure Krishna’s weight in gold.

Krishna’s first wife Rukmini saves the day by offering a sacred Tulsi leaf, which causes the scales to promptly tip by the weight of her devotion to Krishna.

Shaibya, an estranged devotee, fosters bitterness and malice towards Krishna as he tries to help her. Also find out what Krishna has to say when a close friend asks him for relationship advice.

Blue Magic (May 29 - June 4)

Krishna is known as the blue-bodied one. Find out why as Sadhguru explains the significance of the color blue in the spiritual process. He reveals that orange is the color of asceticism while blue represents all-inclusiveness.

Krishna organizes a chariot race on the day of Rukmini’s wedding day. It turns out to be a clever ruse to stop the injustice of Rukmini’s forced marriage. Find out how the determined princess finally becomes Krishna’s wife.

Krishna’s Dharma (May 22 - 28)

In this episode, as Krishna goes about on his mission of establishing righteousness, Sadhguru explains the meaning of dharma. “Kill without hesitation,” advises Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield, yet the same Krishna risks his life for a complete stranger.

At times he dances away in abandon with the milkmaids and at other times he is a perfect monk. What does Krishna mean when he proclaims “I am everything?” Find out as Sadhguru helps us explore and discover the paradox that is Krishna.

Arjuna's Desolation (May 15 - 21)

In this episode we witness the ever cheerful Krishna go through pain and turmoil as his own tribe turns against him. Krishna still puts himself in grave danger for the sake of his people as they make an exodus from Mathura to Dwarka.

Sadhguru takes us through the journey as the story reaches a pivotal point. On the brink of war, Arjuna prepares to fight against his brethren. His courage falters and we see the skilled archer doubtful, distraught and desolate. The time is now ripe for Krishna to give his greatest teaching to his dear disciple – the Gita.

The Gita (May 8 - 14)

In this episode, participants ask Sadhguru questions about Krishna and his teachings. Why did Krishna choose Arjuna to impart the Gita? What does he mean by making an offering of the five senses? If Krishna is god, why doesn’t he end the war?
Like an alchemist transforming confusion into clarity, Sadhguru demystifies the message of the Gita, making its bounty of wisdom available to the contemporary mind.

An Incarnation of God (May 1 - 7)

Krishna is considered to be an avatar or an incarnation of God. Sadhguru explains what this means and in the process reveals the theory of evolution in ancient India, which turns out to have a striking resemblance to Charles Darwin’s findings much later on. In response to a question, Sadhguru compares Krishna’s life and teachings to that of Jesus. In the same vein, he compares his own life as a boisterous teenager with that of Krishna, whose intensity and involvement with life led people to consider him as godlike.

Gurudakshina (April 24 - 30)

In this hour long episode, Krishna takes a year's break from his Brahmacharya to embark on a quest to find his Guru Sandipani's missing son as a tribute to him, following the tradition of Gurudakshina. His pursuit leads him on an adventure across the seas as he becomes a stowaway on a ship captained by the tyrannous Panchajanya.

Sadhguru shares with us a rare anecdote about his own past lifetime as Sadhguru Sri Brahma, drawing parallels to the events that transpired around Krishna and his own experiences. Follow Krishna's adventures in Sadhguru's words as he tries to rescue his Guru's son from an island full of mystical snake-women.

Krishna's Brahmacharya (April 17 - 23)

In this engaging episode, Sadhguru answers questions from the participants of the Leela program. “What’s wrong with men?” One participant asks Sadhguru why only women are allowed into the Raas as Sadhguru delves into the nature of the masculine and the feminine. Another questioner prompts Sadhguru to compare Krishna’s Enlightenment with his own. Stunning performances by renowned artists add color and flavor to the narrative.

We also witness Krishna as he begins to walk the path of Brahmacharya under the able tutelage of his Guru Sandhipani. Sadhguru draws an interesting comparison between Krishna’s path of Brahmacharya and that of another man – Krishna Dvaipayana, who later came to be known as Sage Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata.

A Prophecy Fulfilled (April 9 - 16)

In this episode, Sadhguru takes us through Krishna’s arrival at Mathura, the city which is under the tyrannical rule of Kamsa. As various events unfold around him, the charismatic young Krishna endears himself to the whole town through his deeds. The tyrant king Kamsa cringes as the boy is prophesized to bring an end to his rein. Fearing for his life, the scheming Kamsa plots and conjures up elaborate traps for Krishna. Find out how Krishna outwits his adversaries and fights his way to victory to take up the role of savior.

A New Krishna (April 3 – 9)

In this pivotal episode, we witness a new Krishna emerging. Armed with courage and quick wit, young Krishna protects his village from the menacing serpent Sheshanaag and tames the violent bull Hastin. As tales of his valor spread wide, our hero is confronted with a prophecy that leaves him perplexed.

Krishna climbs mount Govardhan as he tries to come to terms with reality. Speaking from his own inner experience, Sadhguru describes Krishna’s moment of Enlightenment on mount Govardhan with a clarity and candor that only a Realized Master can.

As the wheels of fate turn, Krishna dances away with the gopis in one last Raas Leela before embracing his destiny and embarking on his mission.

Mahabharata Begins (March 27 – April 2)

Sadhguru begins this hour-long episode by giving the gift of Gita to the participants. He goes on to paint the context for events to come and talks about the prevailing society of the time, including the caste system and the Varnashrama Dharma. Tales of valor, honor and deceit all weave together to form the complex tapestry of ancient India, known as Bharat.

Ever the master storyteller, Sadhguru effortlessly guides one through the colorful labyrinth of events that transpire at the dawn of the greatest war of that era – the Mahabharata.

The Blissful Trance (March 20 – 26)

In this edition of the Leela series, Sadhguru answers questions about Krishna and Raas Leela. Having heard much about Krishna’s blissful nights of dance with the gopas and gopis, the participants want to know more about the man and the magic he worked upon people:

Why does a solitary peacock feather adorn Krishna’s brow? What is the state of trance? How can one come to experience such a state within oneself? Sadhguru transports the listener to the banks of the Yamuna, where Krishna’s flute led the full moon Raas Leela at Vrindhavan.

Raas, The Juice of Life (March 13 – 19)

Krishna’s tribe makes the move from Gokul to Vrindhavan. As the society around him changes, the indomitable young cowherd sets forth a new passion and possibility – the Raas Leela. Punctuated with colorful theatrical depictions, Sadhguru explores the various qualities of Krishna as he begins the tradition of Raas Leela through the mystical melodies of his flute.

Sadhguru describes Raas as a transcendental space free of desire and anger – a space overflowing with the juice of life!

Krishna’s Childhood (March 6 – 12)

In part two of the series, Sadhguru delves into the mischief, exploits and miraculous events of Krishna’s youth. Always the troublemaker, Krishna and his childhood adventures today have become part of Indian folklore. It was during one of these escapades that Krishna met his childhood friend and lover, Radhe, who became his inseparable companion.

Birth of Krishna (February 27 – March 5)

In part one, Sadhguru begins by speaking about the immensity and multifaceted nature of the being known as Krishna. An irrepressible child, an enchanting flute player, a lover, a warrior, an astute statesman, a yogi of the highest order – Krishna encompasses all of this and more.