Swami Sarvapriyananda illuminates IIT Bhubaneswar with profound discourse on mind and consciousness

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, NOVEMBER 18, 2025

The Arpan Society of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar hosted an enlightening spiritual discourse titled “Mind and Consciousness – A Vedantic Outlook” on Monday at the Udayagiri Hall of Learning. The session, delivered by Swami Sarvapriyananda ji Maharaj, Minister-in-Charge and spiritual leader of the Vedanta Society of New York, drew a diverse audience of students, faculty, staff, and guests from across the Institute.

Swami Sarvapriyananda, celebrated globally for his lucid and contemporary interpretation of Advaita Vedanta, offered a compelling exploration of the nature of human experience. Addressing students, faculty members, and spiritual seekers, he explained that while the mind is ever-changing — crowded with thoughts, emotions, and perceptions — consciousness remains the silent, immutable witness. Drawing on classic Vedantic metaphors, he described the mind as a reflected light and consciousness as the original source that illumines every experience. Because thoughts can be observed, he said, the true Self is not the mind but the consciousness that reveals it. Recognizing this distinction, he emphasized, leads to emotional steadiness, clarity, and inner freedom. True peace, he noted, emerges not from attempting to control the mind but from realizing the constant, unchanging presence of consciousness.

The discourse concluded with an engaging Q&A session, during which participants raised thought-provoking questions on self-awareness, identity, and the journey toward inner peace.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Partha Sarathi De of the School of Minerals, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, who also introduced the distinguished speaker. Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), graced the occasion. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Umesh Chandra Sahoo, Associate Professor, School of Infrastructure, along with volunteers from the Arpan Society.