Odisha, India: In a world shaped by rapid technological changes, constant information and growing personal responsibilities, the search for inner clarity and lasting understanding continues to hold significance. H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji, a spiritual leader and preacher of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, is dedicated to sharing the timeless wisdom of Indian scriptures, particularly the Upanishads, through spiritual discourses, educational resources, retreats and spiritual programmes.
Associated with Braj Gopika Seva Mission, Raseshwari Devi Ji focuses on making traditional spiritual knowledge accessible to contemporary audiences. Her teachings bring attention to devotion, self-realization, Vedanta and the pursuit of true knowledge, encouraging seekers to explore spiritual principles beyond theoretical understanding.
In this interview, H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji discusses the importance of the Upanishads, the role of spiritual education in modern life, and the efforts being made to help individuals engage more deeply with Sanatana Dharma.
- Could you tell us about your spiritual journey and the work you are currently involved in?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: My work is centred on sharing spiritual wisdom and helping people develop a deeper understanding of the principles found in our scriptures. As a preacher of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, I share teachings related to devotion, spiritual practice and self-realization through discourses, retreats and educational programmes.
An important part of this work is making the wisdom of the Upanishads understandable to people who wish to explore Indian philosophy and the deeper questions of life. These scriptures offer insights into the nature of the self, knowledge and spiritual realization. Through our initiatives, we aim to encourage sincere inquiry, reflection and a meaningful connection with spiritual teachings.
- Why do you believe the Upanishads are important for people living in the modern world?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: The Upanishads explore fundamental questions about existence, the self and the nature of reality. These questions are not limited to any particular period of history. Even today, people seek clarity about their purpose, their identity and what gives life deeper meaning.
Modern life provides access to a tremendous amount of information, but information alone does not necessarily lead to understanding. The Upanishads encourage a more reflective approach to knowledge. Their teachings invite seekers to look beyond surface-level assumptions and examine the deeper principles of existence.
When approached with sincerity and proper guidance, this wisdom can help people develop greater clarity in their thinking and a more thoughtful approach to life.
- What makes your approach to spiritual teaching different?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: Our emphasis is on presenting profound scriptural wisdom in a clear and accessible manner without losing sight of its depth and authenticity. Spiritual teachings should not remain limited to complex terminology or academic discussion. They should also encourage people to reflect on their own understanding and spiritual aspirations.
The aim is to connect traditional knowledge with the questions people face today. This requires careful explanation, patience and respect for the scriptures. We want seekers to move beyond simply collecting information and develop a deeper appreciation of the principles they study.
The Upanishads offer a rich foundation for such exploration, and our efforts focus on helping people approach this knowledge with seriousness and openness.
- Who can benefit from your teachings and educational programmes?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: Spiritual knowledge can be explored by people from different backgrounds. Our work is intended for devotees, spiritual seekers, students of Indian philosophy and individuals interested in Vedanta and Sanatana Dharma.
Some people may come with an established interest in the scriptures, while others may be beginning their spiritual journey. Both can benefit from a learning environment that encourages sincere questions and thoughtful reflection.
Our spiritual discourses, Sadhana Camps, youth and children’s programmes, and educational resources provide different opportunities to engage with spiritual ideas. The purpose is to support a deeper understanding of the teachings and encourage continued learning.
- How do devotion and self-realization relate to the study of the Upanishads?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: Devotion and the pursuit of knowledge are important dimensions of spiritual life. Devotion encourages sincerity, humility and a dedicated approach to spiritual practice. The study of Vedanta and the Upanishads invites seekers to examine fundamental questions about the self and reality.
These areas of spiritual inquiry can encourage a more thoughtful and disciplined approach to one’s inner life. However, scriptural knowledge should not be treated merely as information to be memorised. Its deeper value lies in careful contemplation, understanding and sincere practice under appropriate guidance.
Our efforts are directed towards helping seekers appreciate this connection and continue their spiritual exploration with dedication.
- What role do digital platforms play in your current initiatives?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: Digital platforms provide an additional way to share spiritual teachings with people who may not always be able to attend physical programmes. They allow educational resources and information about spiritual activities to reach a wider audience.
We are expanding our digital content and educational initiatives around Sanatana Dharma, Vedanta and the Upanishads. The intention is to make authentic spiritual knowledge more accessible while encouraging people to explore the teachings in a meaningful way.
Digital resources can support learning, but sincere study, reflection and appropriate guidance remain important. Technology is a means of extending access to knowledge, while the deeper objective continues to be understanding.
- What are the major areas of focus for your ongoing work?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: One of our major areas of focus is the development of comprehensive educational content on the Upanishads. We want to build a useful and authentic source of knowledge that helps seekers explore the principles of Vedanta, self-knowledge and spiritual realization.
This work requires presenting scriptural ideas in an organised and understandable manner while respecting their original significance. We also continue to focus on spiritual discourses, Sadhana Camps, and programmes for young people and children.
Each initiative serves the broader objective of making spiritual education accessible and encouraging people to engage with their heritage thoughtfully.
- What would you like young people to understand about Sanatana Dharma?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: Young people should have opportunities to understand their spiritual and cultural heritage through meaningful education rather than relying only on fragments of information. Sanatana Dharma contains a rich body of philosophical and spiritual knowledge that invites reflection and inquiry.
Introducing young people to these teachings in an age-appropriate and accessible way can help them develop an informed understanding of Indian philosophy. Youth and children’s programmes can provide an environment where questions are welcomed and spiritual concepts are explained carefully.
The objective is to encourage genuine interest in learning and to help the next generation appreciate the depth of their scriptural traditions.
- What is your broader vision for the future?
H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji: The broader vision is to continue sharing authentic spiritual knowledge and make the wisdom of the Upanishads accessible to more people. We hope to develop educational resources that support sustained learning and help seekers explore the deeper principles of Vedanta and self-realization.
The journey of understanding requires patience, sincerity and continued effort. Through our discourses, programmes and digital initiatives, we aim to create more opportunities for people to engage with these teachings.
Ultimately, the purpose is to encourage a deeper appreciation of spiritual knowledge and its significance in the search for truth.
Sharing Ancient Wisdom with Contemporary Seekers
Through her spiritual teachings and educational initiatives, H.H. Raseshwari Devi Ji continues to focus on connecting India’s scriptural heritage with the interests of contemporary spiritual seekers. Her work places particular emphasis on the Upanishads, Vedanta and self-realization, with an approach intended to make complex ideas easier to explore without reducing their depth.
As educational resources and digital outreach continue to develop, the emphasis remains on authentic knowledge, sincere inquiry and meaningful spiritual learning.
For more information about Raseshwari Devi Ji, her teachings and spiritual programmes, visit https://www.raseshwarideviji.org.
Contact: contactus@bgsm.org
Organisation: Braj Gopika Seva Mission
Location: Tutumberpalli, PO Pariorda, Via Tangi, Khordha District, Odisha – 752023.
