Podcasts about yoga sutras

Have you ever noticed that when humans try to talk about God, awakening, truth, or the divine we almost never explain it directly? Instead, we tell stories. We say life is a battlefield. God is a shepherd. The soul is a river returning to the sea. The self is two birds sitting in the same tree. Across cultures, centuries, and spiritual traditions, mystics don't simply define the divine, they paint it. In this episode, I take you on a kind of devotional poetry slam through sacred metaphor. We'll explore passages from the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, the Psalms, and yogic philosophy to see how spiritual traditions use image, story, and symbol to help us feel our relationship with the divine. Because metaphor doesn't just help the mind understand. It gives the nervous system somewhere to rest. We'll explore:

Trois auteurs, un seul sutra — et trois visions qui se complètent pour mieux comprendre ce qu'est une posture de yoga.Dans cet épisode, je plonge dans le Yoga Sutra II.46, Sthira Sukham Asanam, en comparant les traductions et commentaires de trois références incontournables. L'occasion de questionner ce que signifie vraiment pratiquer un asana : entre stabilité, douceur et joie, où se situe la frontière entre la gymnastique et le yoga ? Et surtout, comment cette définition peut nourrir concrètement ta pratique ou ton enseignement ?Je partage aussi ma propre interprétation — avoir de la marge dans la posture pour respirer, observer, ressentir — et je la confronte honnêtement aux textes.

In this solo episode, Amy Wheeler explores one of the most important psychological teachings in the yoga tradition: the five kleśas, described in Chapter 2 of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. These teachings help explain why human beings experience suffering even when they are sincerely trying to live well.Drawing from both Sāṅkhya philosophy and the Yoga Sūtra, Amy walks listeners through the deeper roots of suffering, beginning with the distinction between puruṣa (the witnessing consciousness) and prakṛti (the body, mind, senses, and the manifest world). When these two are confused, the mind becomes entangled in patterns of misperception, attachment, aversion, and fear. These patterns are what Pātañjali calls the kleśas.Throughout the episode, Amy explains how these ancient teachings remain remarkably relevant today. The kleśas show up in modern life as over-identification with our roles, addiction to approval or stimulation, avoidance of discomfort, fear-driven decision making, and the constant pressure to control life so that we feel safe.Rather than presenting yoga as a way to avoid suffering, Amy emphasizes that the deeper aim of yoga is to understand suffering clearly. Through practices such as movement, breath regulation, meditation, and ethical reflection, the practitioner gradually loosens the grip of these patterns and begins to remember their deeper nature.The episode concludes with a reflection on one of Amy's favorite teachings from the Yoga Sūtra: Yoga Sūtra 1.3, which describes the moment when awareness returns to its true nature and the seer rests in its essential state.In This EpisodeAmy explores:• Why human beings suffer even when they are trying to live well • The philosophical foundation of the Yoga Sūtra in Sāṅkhya philosophy • The distinction between puruṣa (the witnessing consciousness) and prakṛti (the manifest world) • How misperception leads to psychological suffering • The five kleśas described in Yoga Sūtra 2.3 • How the kleśas appear in modern life and clinical practice • Why yoga is fundamentally relational and practiced through human interaction • How meditation helps return awareness to clarity and discernment • The deeper meaning of Yoga Sūtra 1.3 and the experience of resting in one's true natureThe Five KleśasThe five kleśas are the underlying causes of suffering described by Pātañjali.Avidyā — Misperception The root kleśa. Avidyā occurs when we confuse the changing contents of experience with our deeper nature.Asmitā — Misidentification Over-identifying with personality, roles, reputation, or thoughts rather than recognizing the witnessing awareness behind them.Rāga — Attachment Clinging to experiences that feel pleasurable or validating, believing they will resolve deeper unease.Dveṣa — Aversion Avoiding experiences that feel painful or uncomfortable, which can lead to defensiveness, withdrawal, or emotional reactivity.Abhiniveśa — Fear of Loss The deep instinct to cling to life, identity, control, and stability. This fear can appear even in those who are wise and experienced.Key Yoga Sūtras ReferencedYoga Sūtra 2.3 Avidyā-asmitā-rāga-dveṣa-abhiniveśāḥ kleśāḥ These five are the causes of suffering.Yoga Sūtra 2.5 Avidyā is mistaking the impermanent for the permanent, the impure for the pure, pain for pleasure, and the non-self for the self.Yoga Sūtra 1.3 Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe 'vasthānam Then the seer rests in its true nature.Why This Matters for Yoga TherapyThe kleśas are not simply philosophical ideas. They describe patterns that appear frequently in modern life and clinical settings, including:• psychological distress • relational conflict • addiction and compulsive behavior • over-identification with roles or reputation • fear-based decision making • difficulty tolerating discomfortTherapeutic yoga practices—movement, breathwork, attentional training, and ethical reflection—help practitioners gradually recognize and soften these patterns.As clarity develops, individuals often experience greater nervous system stability, increased self-awareness, and a deeper capacity to observe thoughts and emotions without becoming completely defined by them.Reflection Questions from the Episode• What if the goal of yoga is not to become someone different, but to remember who we truly are?• Where in your life do you notice attachment to approval, comfort, or certain emotional states?• Where do you notice aversion or avoidance when something feels uncomfortable?• Can you sense the difference between the changing experiences of the mind and the steadiness of the witnessing awareness behind them?Final ReflectionThe teachings of the kleśas remind us that suffering is not simply a personal failure or something to eliminate at all costs. It is part of the human condition. Yoga invites us to understand it, learn from it, and gradually see through the patterns that amplify it.When the mind becomes clearer and less entangled in these patterns, the seer begins to rest in its true nature. From that place, life can be lived with greater steadiness, compassion, and freedom.School of Integrative Health at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health Master of Science in Yoga Therapy at NDMU https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy Explore NDMU's Post-Master's Certificate in Therapeutic Yoga Practices  https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/yoga-therapy/post-masters-certificate-in-therapeutic-yoga-practices #IntegrativeHealth #HealthcareEducation #InterprofessionalEducation #GraduateSchool #NDMUproud #SOIHproud #SOIHYoga #SOIHAyurveda #NDMUYoga #NDMUAyurveda #SOIHGraduateSchool  Try our Post-Bac Ayurveda Certification Program at NDMU: https://www.ndm.edu/academics/integrative-health/ayurveda/post-baccalaureate-ayurveda-certification Amy's website:www.TheOptimalState.com Yoga Therapy Hour Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/yoga-therapy-hour-with-amy-wheeler/id1564687158 The Optimal State Mobile Apphttps://optimalstateapp.com

Welcome to episode 74 of The Woman Warrior Podcast! Join your hosts Dr. Satyavani and Prajna Madhavi as they explore how the practice of non-greed, letting go, decluttering, mindfulness, and self-inquiry can help women create more freedom, balance, and peace in everyday life. In this episode, Dr. Satyavani and Prajna Madhavi continue their deep dive into the Yoga Sutras with a powerful discussion on Aparigraha, the practice of non-attachment, non-hoarding, and releasing what no longer serves you. This episode offers practical wisdom for living with more presence.00:00 Welcome to The Woman Warrior Podcast04:45 GLP-1 Program Launch08:02 Woman Warrior Cleanse10:00 Wellness Check26:56 Aparigraha Remedies Start28:01 Declutter Wants Vs Needs30:35 Desires And Enablers40:01 Let Go Of Triggers45:20 Identity And Presence52:17 Forgiveness And Nature57:35 Rights And Letting Go58:49 Final Thanks And SendoffBe sure to Like and Subscribe for more! For more information, please visit: https://www.womenswarriorsacademy.com Follow us on Instagram + Facebook! https://www.instagram.com/womanwarrioracademy/https://www.facebook.com/womanwarrioracademyJoin our Online Circle Community for FREE!https://login.circle.so/sign_up?request_host=the-woman-warrior-academy.circle.so&user%5Binvitation_token%5D=a26695ef6578f459ddedeafcb0093fde147b242e-1e858068-670b-46a5-94a6-dafa76efc9b2#email

What does yoga actually mean? If you answered 'union,' Harmony and Russell have a fascinating surprise for you. In this deeply rich conversation with Sanskrit scholar and Ashtanga teacher Zoë  Slatoff, the trio explores the ancient philosophical roots beneath the practices many of us do every day. Zoë is the author of Yogavataranam: The Translation of Yoga, A New Approach to Sanskrit, Associate Director of the Yoga Studies MA program at Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles), and a PhD candidate whose dissertation may permanently change the way you think about what yoga is for. The conversation moves from Zoë 's early years in Brooklyn and a pivotal Rodney Yee VHS tape, to engineering studies at the elite Cooper Union, to teaching 16 yoga classes a week in New York City, to the magic of Lakshmi Puram in Mysore before the internet existed. It arrives, finally, at the big philosophical question at the heart of her dissertation: how did yoga go from meaning separation to meaning union? What You'll Learn in This Episode Why "yoga" in the Yoga Sutras means separation—not union—and how Advaita Vedanta changed everything The role of the Upadesha Sahasri (attributed to Shankaracharya) in bridging dualism and non-duality How Pattabhi Jois used to quote ancient Vedantic texts every single day in conference in Lakshmi Puram Why the neti neti practice ('not this, not that') is a powerful tool for modern meditators How Zoe began her Sanskrit journey in Mysore and transformed it into a published textbook and academic career What it means to teach Sanskrit in a way that actually serves yoga practitioners (not classical scholars) The magic—and the chaos—of traveling to India without the internet, using hand-drawn maps and STD phone boxes Why Zoe believes dualism and non-duality are ultimately describing the same thing, just from different angles Guest Bio: Zoë  Slatoff Zoë  Slatoff is a Sanskrit scholar, longtime Ashtanga yoga practitioner and teacher, and author of Yogavataranam: The Translation of Yoga—a groundbreaking Sanskrit grammar textbook designed specifically for yoga practitioners who want to read the texts that inform their practice. She holds a master's degree from Columbia University in Asian Languages and Cultures, is completing her PhD at Lancaster University, and currently serves as Associate Director (and incoming Director) of the Yoga Studies MA program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She also teaches Sanskrit online through the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. Resources & Links Mentioned Yogavataranam: The Translation of Yoga by Zoe Slatoff — available wherever books are sold (new edition coming soon) Yoga Studies MA Program at Loyola Marymount University — visit lmu.edu for admissions info Sanskrit classes online through the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies — check Zoe's website at ashtangayogasanskrit.com Yoga Gives Back — the charity whose fundraising gala reunited Zoe, Harmony, and Russell in LA Harmony Slater's Portugal intensives — Lisbon and Faro (end of June through mid-July); details in show links The Being Gathering festival, Portugal The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermind FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

What does yoga actually mean? If you answered 'union,' Harmony and Russell have a fascinating surprise for you. In this deeply rich conversation with Sanskrit scholar and Ashtanga teacher Zoë Slatoff, the trio explores the ancient philosophical roots beneath the practices many of us do every day. Zoë is the author of Yogavataranam: The Translation of Yoga, A New Approach to Sanskrit, Associate Director of the Yoga Studies MA program at Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles), and a PhD candidate whose dissertation may permanently change the way you think about what yoga is for. The conversation moves from Zoë's early years in Brooklyn and a pivotal Rodney Yee VHS tape, to engineering studies at the elite Cooper Union, to teaching 16 yoga classes a week in New York City, to the magic of Lakshmi Puram in Mysore before the internet existed. It arrives, finally, at the big philosophical question at the heart of her dissertation: how did yoga go from meaning separation to meaning union? What You'll Learn in This Episode Why "yoga" in the Yoga Sutras means separation—not union—and how Advaita Vedanta changed everything The role of the Upadesha Sahasri (attributed to Shankaracharya) in bridging dualism and non-duality How Pattabhi Jois used to quote ancient Vedantic texts every single day in conference in Lakshmi Puram Why the neti neti practice ('not this, not that') is a powerful tool for modern meditators How Zoë began her Sanskrit journey in Mysore and transformed it into a published textbook and academic career What it means to teach Sanskrit in a way that actually serves yoga practitioners (not classical scholars) The magic—and the chaos—of traveling to India without the internet, using hand-drawn maps and STD phone boxes Why Zoë believes dualism and non-duality are ultimately describing the same thing, just from different angles Guest Bio: Zoë Slatoff Zoë Slatoff is a Sanskrit scholar, longtime Ashtanga yoga practitioner and teacher, and author of Yogavataranam: The Translation of Yoga—a groundbreaking Sanskrit grammar textbook designed specifically for yoga practitioners who want to read the texts that inform their practice. She holds a master's degree from Columbia University in Asian Languages and Cultures, is completing her PhD at Lancaster University, and currently serves as Associate Director (and incoming Director) of the Yoga Studies MA program at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. She also teaches Sanskrit online through the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. Resources & Links Mentioned Yogavataranam: The Translation of Yoga by Zoë Slatoff — available wherever books are sold (new edition coming soon) Yoga Studies MA Program at Loyola Marymount University — visit lmu.edu for admissions info Sanskrit classes online through the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies — check Zoë's website at ashtangayogasanskrit.com Yoga Gives Back — the charity whose fundraising gala reunited Zoë, Harmony, and Russell in LA Harmony Slater's Portugal intensives — Lisbon and Faro (end of June through mid-July); details in show links The Being Gathering festival, Portugal The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermind FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

If your yoga practice keeps falling off… you're not the problem. In this episode, I share 7 simple, realistic ways to create a yoga practice that actually sticks—even in busy seasons of life. We explore how to:

What does it actually mean to practice yoga — and are any of us really doing it? In this rich and unhurried conversation, Harmony sits down with Tara Mitra: Ashtanga teacher, yoga therapist, and devoted Vedic chanting practitioner who has spent decades tracing the practice back to its roots. Tara's path moved from high-stress corporate life in Toronto to studying Ashtanga with dedicated teachers in Canada and California, then four years assisting in the Mysore shala, and finally into the Krishnamacharya lineage in Chennai — where yoga therapy, pranayama, Vedic chanting, and philosophy became her deepest studies. Today she works with everyone from cancer patients to hospice clients, with the simple premise: if you can breathe, she can teach you something. This conversation is a slow, deliberate unwinding of everything we think we know about yoga — and an invitation back to what it actually is.   In this episode you'll explore: Why 'nobody is really practicing yoga' — and what that actually means The journey from Ashtanga to yoga therapy: what made Tara go deeper How chanting and philosophy naturally shift the inner landscape Samasthiti as 'the pregnant pause' — and why skipping it misses the point The monkey mind: drunk, stung by a scorpion, and haunted — and what practice does to each layer Chitta vritti nirodha and what the Yoga Sutras actually say about the mind Spiritual bypassing: the 'good vibes only' trap and premature transcendence The radical practice of doing nothing — no phone, no tea, just thirty minutes at a window Ayurveda and the body's natural rhythms in the age of artificial light and screen time The pancha vayus and why pranayama is far subtler than it looks The breath as the great friend — and its connection to spirit in every tradition Redefining the guru: someone who isn't caught in your own distortions Sangha: why community isn't optional on the path How beginners should start: not by thinking The butterfly mind vs. the stability of genuine practice Boundaries as an expression of love, not a closing off Equanimity (upeksha) as a lifelong practice, not a destination   Connect with Tara Mitra: Website: taramitrayoga.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taramitrayoga/ Offerings: Yoga Sutras classes, Vedic chanting, Upanishad study, mentorship program   Resources mentioned: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — chitta vritti nirodha (YS 1.2); the nine obstacles; YS 1.33 brahmaviharas Shanti mantra: Purnamadah Purnamidam (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad) Krishnamacharya lineage (Mysore & Chennai / Desikachar branch) Ashtanga trishthana — breath, drishti, bandha Ayurveda and the concept of natural daily rhythms (dinacharya) Harmony's upcoming Portugal workshops — harmonyslater.com/events The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermind FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

What does it actually mean to practice yoga — and are any of us really doing it? In this rich and unhurried conversation, Harmony sits down with Tara Mitra: Ashtanga teacher, yoga therapist, and devoted Vedic chanting practitioner who has spent decades tracing the practice back to its roots. Tara's path moved from high-stress corporate life in Toronto to studying Ashtanga with dedicated teachers in Canada and California, then four years assisting in the Mysore shala, and finally into the Krishnamacharya lineage in Chennai — where yoga therapy, pranayama, Vedic chanting, and philosophy became her deepest studies. Today she works with everyone from cancer patients to hospice clients, with the simple premise: if you can breathe, she can teach you something. This conversation is a slow, deliberate unwinding of everything we think we know about yoga — and an invitation back to what it actually is.   In this episode you'll explore: Why 'nobody is really practicing yoga' — and what that actually means The journey from Ashtanga to yoga therapy: what made Tara go deeper How chanting and philosophy naturally shift the inner landscape Samasthiti as 'the pregnant pause' — and why skipping it misses the point The monkey mind: drunk, stung by a scorpion, and haunted — and what practice does to each layer Chitta vritti nirodha and what the Yoga Sutras actually say about the mind Spiritual bypassing: the 'good vibes only' trap and premature transcendence The radical practice of doing nothing — no phone, no tea, just thirty minutes at a window Ayurveda and the body's natural rhythms in the age of artificial light and screen time The pancha vayus and why pranayama is far subtler than it looks The breath as the great friend — and its connection to spirit in every tradition Redefining the guru: someone who isn't caught in your own distortions Sangha: why community isn't optional on the path How beginners should start: not by thinking The butterfly mind vs. the stability of genuine practice Boundaries as an expression of love, not a closing off Equanimity (upeksha) as a lifelong practice, not a destination   Connect with Tara Mitra: Website: taramitrayoga.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taramitrayoga/ Offerings: Yoga Sutras classes, Vedic chanting, Upanishad study, mentorship program   Resources mentioned: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — chitta vritti nirodha (YS 1.2); the nine obstacles; YS 1.33 brahmaviharas Shanti mantra: Purnamadah Purnamidam (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad) Krishnamacharya lineage (Mysore & Chennai / Desikachar branch) Ashtanga trishthana — breath, drishti, bandha Ayurveda and the concept of natural daily rhythms (dinacharya) Harmony's upcoming Portugal workshops — harmonyslater.com/events The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc Join the Lightworker Mastermind:  https://harmonyslater.com/lightworker-mastermind FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

Send us Fan MailPatanjali's Yoga Sutras: Do You Need a Religion to Wake Up?Enjoying our podcast? Please help us out and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your thumbs up goes a long way.Every spiritual tradition hands you a map. Patanjali's eight limbs. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle. The Four Noble Truths. Lojong mind training. But here's the question nobody asks: What good is the map if you don't know how to drive a car?In this episode, Stephan and Adam dig into what spiritual maps are really for, and when staring at one becomes the obstacle itself. They get into why discipline and restraint are the most skipped steps in Western spirituality, what actually happens when the surface mind quiets down (hint: it's not peace), and why the why behind your emotions matters less than you think.Topics covered:Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, the eight limbs, and yogas chitta vritti nirodhaLojong mind training and transforming difficulty into the pathTeresa of Avila's Interior Castle and the non-linear nature of the journeySengcan's Hsin Hsin Ming, the Zen case for dropping preferences entirelyA Course in Miracles on forgiveness as stillnessWhy Neo-Advaita can leave you stuckQuestions, topic ideas, or books you want us to read: letterstotheskypodcast@gmail.com00:00 Back After Hiatus00:21 Lost Episode Story01:20 Do We Need A Map?02:57 What Counts As A Map?05:50 Different Destinations09:09 Map Versus Road11:04 Spiritual Stages And Ego14:13 Inner Roads Of Practice16:09 Ethics As Foundation26:54 Meditation Clicks Over Time30:48 Quiet Mind Brings Pain34:21 Therapy Versus Inquiry35:41 Why Knowing Why Fails36:51 Karma Reincarnation Context39:17 View Path Fruit Framework42:40 Mind Training Maps45:15 Shoes Frustration Practice48:54 Feel Fully Drop Resistance53:22 Forgiveness No Preferences01:00:34 Signs of Progress01:04:17 Map Question Wrap UpSupport the showCopyright 2026 by Letters to the Sky

Join us as we discuss the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book One, with author and ordained minister David McGrath based on his new commentary and exercises to integrate these teachings into your life.

Have you ever wondered what the original learning environment of yoga philosophy actually looked like? In this episode, I share why texts like the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishads were never meant to be read alone—and how studying in community can completely transform your understanding. As I've been leading my Yoga Sutras Book Club, I've seen how powerful it is to learn this way—and why it might be the missing piece in your own practice. We explore:

I recently met someone who asked me to define my spirituality. What is Svādhyāya and are you making time for it? In this episode I'm reflecting on what ‘spirituality' is, how to grow and learn about the self in a non-obsessive way and why I think Eric Carmen has an important lesson for us in allowing for expansive moments in class. Enjoy!If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It's just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonaldREFERENCESBryant, Edwin F (2009)The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, North Point Press, New YorkLee, Jenny (2016) True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras forHappiness and Spiritual Fulfilment, Llewellyn Publications, WoodburyLeventhal, Les (2014) Two Lifestyles, One Lifetime, Yoga with Les, UbudWallis, Christopher, D (2023), Near Enemies of the Truth: Avoid the Pitfalls of the Spiritual Life and Become Radically Free, Wonderwell, Los Angeles

In this episode, inspired by what would have been Ram Dass's 95th birthday, I share a very human moment of ending up with a little egg on my beard in a business connection that was not what it seemed. Using Ram Dass's famous article as a jumping-off point, we explore how to navigate misalignment with honesty and grace. I'm also dipping into the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2.8 and what it teaches about aversion, and the temptation to shut down or harden after things go sideways. This is a conversation about staying open, taking the lesson, and remembering that not every path is meant to be walked together forever.If you value this show, please do consider supporting my work on Patreon. It's just $5 AUD a month and it makes a big difference to me. Here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/AmyMcDonaldREFERENCES:Bryant, Edwin F (2009) The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, North Point Press, New YorkFinger, Alan and Newton, Wendy (2018) Tantra of the Yoga Sutras, Shambhala, BoulderGoldberg, Philip (2010) American Veda: How Indian Spirituality Changed the West, Three Rivers Press, New York‘Egg on My Beard' https://www.kashiashram.com/egg_on_my_beard.pdf accessed 7 April 2026

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast, Kriya Yoga teacher Donelle Mason offers a comprehensive introduction to Samadhi, the highest state of meditation described in classical yoga. This talk was recorded during the Online Kriya Yoga Equinox Retreat and presents a clear, practical understanding of how Samadhi develops through consistent spiritual practice. Donelle explains the eight limbs of yoga, including the importance of the yamas and niyamas as the foundation for meditation. She also breaks down the stages of Samadhi, moving from concentration on gross objects like breath and mantra to subtler states of awareness, including bliss (Ananda) and the sense of “I-am-ness” (Asmita). Common meditation challenges such as mental distractions, attachment to bliss, and the experience of blankness are also addressed in detail. Listeners will gain insight into key yoga philosophy concepts from the Yoga Sutras, including abhyasa (practice), vairagya (non-attachment), and the role of disciplined effort in achieving deeper states of meditation. This episode also highlights how Kriya Yoga integrates meditation, action (karma yoga), devotion (bhakti yoga), and knowledge (jnana yoga) into a complete path toward self-realization. Whether you are new to meditation or a long-time practitioner, this episode provides practical guidance on how to deepen your practice, overcome obstacles, and move toward direct experience of Samadhi. -

Pranayama disguised as Asana combines breath control with movement to quiet the mind and foster oneness. Yoga Sutras guide us to practice with steadiness (Sthira) and ease (Sukham) in Asana (YS 2.46), while focusing attention to make effort effortless (YS 2.47). The true practice involves Pranayama, using breath to capture the wandering mind, drawing awareness into the body and breath to cultivate stillness.Prana, the vital life force, is nurtured through breath, clearing energy pathways (Nadis) to promote healing and transformation. As we improve breath quality, our vitality, creativity, and well-being increase. Different breathing techniques, such as Ujjayi and Kapalabhati, have distinct effects on the body, energy, and mind. Mudras like Mula and Uddiyana Bandha direct the Prana to heal and inspire.In essence, we practice Pranayama disguised as Asana, using breath to still the mind and achieve the ultimate goal of Yoga: mental stillness (Citta Vritti Nirodha).To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've been feeling stuck or uninspired—whether in your personal practice or your teaching—this episode is for you. I'm sharing how I've reignited my own creativity over the years, not by pushing harder, but by allowing myself to breathe in new experiences. From Da Vinci to Mirabai, from Einstein's violin to the poetry of Lalla, I'll take you on a journey that reveals the true source of inspiration—and how you can access it again (and again). Here's what I'll explore:

Sasha and Erin dive into a foundational teaching from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: the Pancha Kleshas—five root obstacles that block our inner peace and keep us trapped in suffering.These five kleshas are:Avidya, or ignorance, the root misperception that keeps us from seeing reality clearly. Asmita, egoism, our over-identification with ‘I' and our roles in the world. Raga, attachment, the clinging to pleasure that creates endless desire and intense feelings that drive unconscious, reactive actions which in turn produce karmas. Dvesha, aversion or hatred of suffering, the push against pain and discomfort that fuels reactivity. Abhinivesha, the instinctive fear of death and clinging to life itself, which underlies so much of our anxiety. These kleshas produce duhkha (suffering) and bind the mind to cycles of desire and aversion. In other words, creating patterns and/or addictions that are hard to break.Yoga's purpose is to weaken and dissolve the kleshas, leading to clarity, peace, and liberation.We explore how these kleshas show up in our daily lives, how they influence our relationships, health, and choices, and what practical tools from yoga and Ayurveda can help us recognize, release, and ultimately dissolve these mental obstacles.Send a textFor 20% off Kerala Ayurveda products, use code OjasOasis at checkoutFor 20% off GarryNSun products, use code OJASOASIS20 at checkoutFor 20% off Ora Cacao products, use OJASOASIS20 at checkout Receive $500 off your Panchakarma retreat at SoHum Healing Resort with code OjasOasisPK2025 Register for the 2026 NAMA Conference at https://www.ayurvedanama.org/ Support the showTo learn more about working with us, please visit www.OjasOasis.com Connect with us @ojasoasis on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube

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In this expansive conversation, I got a chance to talk to yoga and Ayurveda teacher, mentor, and author Indu Aurora to explore what yoga truly is — and what it is not. We started by unpacking one of Indu's powerful statements: "The goal of yoga is yoga. Everything else is a side benefit." This conversation invites teachers to look beyond flexibility, strength, and stress relief — and into yoga as a state of realization. Indu draws from classical teachings and the commentary on the Yoga Sutras to clarify that yoga is not simply a practice — it is a state of samadhi, a realization of the unchanging self beneath the ever-changing body, mind, and emotions. We take a deep dive into one of Indu's main areas of wisdom, Yoga Nidra and then finish the conversation with some salient pieces of wisdom for all yoga teachers.  In this episode you'll hear: why modern practitioners and teachers get stuck focusing on the "fix" why Yoga Nidra is both powerful and accessible how to keep Yoga Nidra from becoming robotic why you should make nature your guru the power of unlearning how to choose a teacher why we both love confusion and doubt Learn More From Indu www.yogsadhna.com https://www.instagram.com/induaroraofficial/ This episode is brought to you by OfferingTree, an easy-to-use, all-in-one online platform for yoga teachers that provides a personal website, booking, payment, blogging, and many other great features. If you sign up at www.offeringtree.com/mentor, you'll get 50% off your first three months (or 15% off any annual plan)!  OfferingTree supports me with each sign-up. I'm proud to be supported by a public benefit company whose mission is to further wellness access and education for everyone.

What if everything you've been told about enlightenment is wrong? What if presence isn't something you achieve — it's something you already are? In this special episode, Harmony opens the doors to her Inner Circle community and invites you to sit in on the first session of a year-long study of one of the most transformative books in modern spiritual literature: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Chapter One centers on one of the most radical ideas in all of spiritual teaching: You are not your mind. The thoughts, the planning, the remembering, the judging — that's not you. You are the one who observes all of it. And the moment you truly understand that? Something begins to shift. This episode references and reads selections from The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle (New World Library, 1999). All quoted material remains the property of the author and publisher and is used here for educational discussion purposes. In this episode, you'll explore: Why yoga philosophy and The Power of Now are pointing at the same truth How attachment to psychological time (past and future) creates suffering The difference between enlightenment as a superhuman goal and your most natural state What it means to 'watch the thinker' — and what opens up when you do Why the body is always a truthful reflection of the mind Emotions as energy: why bypassing them keeps you stuck The three root baskets of human pain: safety, belonging, and enoughness How the Anandamaya Kosha (the bliss body) maps to Tolle's 'radiant joy of being' Real-life stories from community members practicing presence with teenagers, island power outages, and sick kids Your homework: How to watch your thoughts this month This conversation weaves together the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Sankhya philosophy, and The Power of Now in a way that is grounded, practical, and deeply alive. Whether you're new to Eckhart Tolle or you've read the book a dozen times, this session will make the teachings land in a new way. INNER CIRCLE — CLOSING MARCH 25TH Harmony's Inner Circle is open now and closes on March 25th for the rest of the year. Join the community currently studying The Power of Now together with live sessions, pranayama, meditation, chanting, and elemental embodiment practices. Monthly: $33/month Annual: $333/year Join here: community-harmonyslater.com | DM 'COMMUNITY' on Instagram for a personal link. RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali The Bhagavad Gita The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi Joe Dispenza — breaking the habit of being yourself Byron Katie — The Work CONNECT WITH HARMONY: Instagram: @findingharmonypodcast | @harmonyslaterofficial Community: community-harmonyslater.com If this episode resonated, please leave a 5-star review and share it with someone who needs a reminder: presence is not something you create — it's who you already are. The Inner Rejuvenation Codes: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/inner-rejuvenation-codes-mc FIND Harmony online: https://harmonyslater.com/ Harmony on IG: https://www.instagram.com/harmonyslaterofficial/ Finding Harmony Podcast on IG: https://www.instagram.com/findingharmonypodcast/ FREE Manifestation Activation: https://harmonyslater.kit.com/manifestation-activation

In classical Indian philosophy, "Purusha" represents pure consciousness, the true self, or the eternal witness. It is distinct from Prakriti, the material world, and serves as a passive observer of the world created by Prakriti. Purusha is unchanging, eternal, and unaffected by time, space, or the Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas). It transcends birth, decay, death, and dualities such as good and bad, and it exists beyond cause and effect. Consciousness is the essence of Purusha, enabling perception and understanding. The goal of Samkhya and the Yoga Sutras is to realize the distinction between Purusha and Prakriti, recognizing the eternal nature of the self (Purusha) beyond the transient material world. Practices to awaken Purusha include centring oneself, engaging in observational awareness, detaching from ego, connecting to inner wisdom, and recognising the eternal essence within. These practices guide toward self-realisation, fulfilment, and freedom, revealing one's true nature as the silent witness.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big change can be exciting—and completely destabilizing, especially for autistic and ADHD adults who thrive with clarity, predictability, and nervous-system safety. In this episode of Adulting With Autism, host April sits down with Jennie Lee, a trusted personal coach to creatives, CEOs, military officers, teachers, therapists, and more. Jennie bridges spiritual self-development with physical self-expression, offering pragmatic tools for inner alignment and conscious, strategic change. Jennie is the author of Spark Change, a highly practical book built around transformational questions you can use in real time—whether you're stuck in indecision, rebuilding after burnout, unmasking, changing careers, or redefining relationships. She's also the author of True Yoga: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras for Happiness & Spiritual Fulfillment and Breathing Love: Meditation in Action, and she's a multi–award-winning author including the Nautilus Book Award. In this episode, we explore: Why the right questions create real change (not just "thinking about it") Turning insight into action during transitions and identity shifts Inner alignment: spiritual development that stays grounded in daily life Using reflection without getting trapped in overthinking Spark Change: 12 themes, 9 questions each—how to use it as a daily prompt or conversation starter Moving beyond self-imposed limitations and expanding creative self-expression About Jennie Lee: Jennie has been teaching and coaching in the spiritual/personal development space for nearly three decades. She's known for being fun, highly engaging, and spontaneous—while still delivering practical tools that actually help people implement change.

Welcome back to another powerful episode of The Woman Warrior Podcast! Join Dr. Satyavani and Prajna Madhavi as they welcome special guest Kristie Williams, lead Yoga Sculpt teacher at YogaSix, personal trainer of nearly 10 years, and all-natural competitive bodybuilder for a raw and inspiring conversation about truth, discipline, and living authentically.This episode dives deep into the second Yama from the Yoga Sutras: Satya (truthfulness) and what it really means to live in alignment on every level of your being. From the physical body to your energy, emotions, intuition, and spiritual connection, the trio explores how we subtly violate our own truth through excuses, overthinking, avoidance, people-pleasing, and ignoring our intuition.Kristie shares her journey into competitive bodybuilding and how consistency, not motivation, has transformed her life. The conversation highlights the dangers of an “Amazon Prime mentality” in a world that craves quick fixes, and why real transformation requires patience, discipline, and radical honesty.If you've ever felt disconnected, overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or unsure of your next step, this episode will challenge you to stop outsourcing your truth and start embodying it.Guest Name: Kristie Williams00:00 Welcome to the Woman Warrior Podcast04:35 Yoga Sutras and Satya Setup15:42 Wellness Check In28:42 Sutra 1.14 and Bodybuilding Intro30:29 Consistency Over Motivation35:58 Satya Truthfulness Explained39:28 Truth and the Physical Body47:14 Mental Emotional Honesty51:34 Trusting Your Intuition01:01:59 Wrap Up and Truth BombBe sure to Like and Subscribe for more! For more information, please visit: https://www.womenswarriorsacademy.com Follow us on Instagram + Facebook! https://www.instagram.com/womanwarrioracademy/https://www.facebook.com/womanwarrioracademyJoin our Online Circle Community for FREE!https://login.circle.so/sign_up?request_host=the-woman-warrior-academy.circle.so&user%5Binvitation_token%5D=a26695ef6578f459ddedeafcb0093fde147b242e-1e858068-670b-46a5-94a6-dafa76efc9b2#email

Wendy and I keep an eye on current events through the lens of the Yoga Sutras. Using the Four Keys, sutra 1.33 and the Yamas and Niyamas from the second pada/chapter, we talk about the opportunity for practice vs. the inclination to judge others for their shortcomings and bad actions. Please support Peter's Podcast on Patreon! Namaste

We continue the exploration of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali with the 4th and 5th mental modification; sleep and memory

Gayathri Narayanan is the founder of Myndtree and a contemplative guide whose work centers on integrating deep inner inquiry with the realities of modern life. With more than three decades of sustained practice and study, she brings together the wisdom of the Narayana Guru lineage, as transmitted through her own Guru, Nitya Chaitanya Yati, with secular mindfulness and lived inquiry. Her grounding lies in Advaita Vedanta and Yoga, supported by long-term study of classical texts including the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, and key works of Narayana Guru such as Ātmopadeśa Śatakam and Darśanamālā. Over time, her path expanded to include sustained study and practice in Buddhist traditions, with particular depth in Theravada teachings through close study with Gil Fronsdal, as well as engagement with Zen through teachings with Reb Anderson. More recently, she has begun studying Tibetan Buddhism with Anam Thubten.https://www.myndtree.org/

In Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, "Citta" refers to the mind-stuff or consciousness, encompassing thoughts, emotions, memories, and habitual tendencies. Citta acts as a storehouse for mental impressions (Samskaras), which influence behavior, and latent desires (Vasanas), driving habitual actions. Vrittis, the mental fluctuations, move between these impressions, causing restlessness. Citta's essential nature is pure, but impurities cloud it, leading to suffering (Dukkha). The Kleshas—ignorance (Avidya), ego (Asmita), attachment (Raga), aversion (Devas), and fear (Abhinivesha)—are mental afflictions that contribute to this disturbance. Through yoga practice, we aim to calm these fluctuations ("Citta Vritti Nirodha") and purify the mind. Techniques like Abhyasa (practice) and Vairagya (detachment) help still the mind. In asanas, we observe and release Samskaras, Vasanas, and Vrittis, breaking conditioned responses and fostering growth, inner peace, and alignment with intention. The practice brings clarity, guiding toward self-realisation and freedom from unconscious reactions.To read more and to practice with Zephyr Wildman, click here. To support Zephyr Yoga Podcast, donate here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Satyavani and Prajna Madhavi kick off 2026 with a powerful message about the importance of forming solid, long-term habits and the impact of community energy. They introduce the theme for the year based on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, emphasizing consistent practice and mindfulness. The discussion covers recent experiences from a Caribbean cruise, reflecting on health observations, and the transformative power of positive energy. They also dive into upcoming programs including a new GLP-1 supportive plan, the Ayurvedic Woman Program 2.0, and their exciting Costa Rica retreat. Stay tuned for more on their mission to light up lives through Ayurveda, yoga, spirituality, and fitness!00:00 Welcome to the Woman Warrior Podcast03:07 The Year of the Fire Horse03:39 Reflecting on 2025 and Shedding Old Patterns06:42 Introducing the 2026 Theme: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras09:51 The Importance of Firmly Grounded Practices13:12 Presence and Quiet: Keys to Transformation29:29 Gratitude and Looking Forward31:36 Upcoming Events and Announcements32:47 Introducing the GLP-1 Program33:35 Ayurvedic Woman Program Relaunch38:33 Costa Rica Retreat Details39:21 Reflections from the Caribbean Cruise47:41 Wellness Check-In and Final Thoughts

Let's be real — our attention is under attack. Between scroll culture, constant notifications, and never-ending to-do lists, it's hard to focus on what actually matters. In this episode, I'm inviting you to pause and reflect on where your precious energy is going. We'll explore how ancient yogic and Vedantic texts can help us reclaim our attention — not just as a productivity tool, but as a sacred spiritual practice. If you've been feeling scattered, stuck, or overstimulated, this one's for you. We'll look at how:

Today's episode discusses the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali focusing on sutra 1.1

In this episode of the Kriya Yoga Podcast, Ryan Kurczak explores the essence of yoga as the practice of Samadhi—a theme that will guide all classes, retreats, and offerings throughout 2026 as we celebrate a “Year of Samadhi.” Ryan shares upcoming opportunities for study and practice, including a monthly Patreon series on the preparatory processes in the Yoga Sutras, a six-week Samadhi Yoga Book Study Group, and a June Solstice retreat at the Himalayan Institute. Drawing from Vyāsa's powerful statement that “Yoga is Samadhi,” Ryan walks listeners through the foundational principles that make Samadhi both the heart of yoga and an attainable experience for sincere practitioners. He highlights the importance of daily meditation, present-moment awareness, sattvic living, and Patanjali's contemplations in Sutras 1.33–1.39 as essential tools for cultivating a serene, one-pointed mind. This episode offers inspiration, structure, and clarity for anyone committed to developing a direct, meaningful experience of Samadhi. -

Welcome to Unlocking the Siddhis — a sacred series exploring the mystical powers that arise through deep spiritual practice. The Siddhis, known as "supernatural" abilities in the yogic and Vedic traditions, are not tricks of the ego but sacred side effects of inner awakening. In this 6-part journey, we'll explore the classical Ashta Siddhis, psychic gifts, feminine mysticism, spiritual integrity, and the practical pathways to embodied power. If you're walking the path of yoga, devotion, or metaphysical awakening, this series will help you understand your gifts — not as fantasy, but as destiny. ✨ Come home to your inner mastery. ✨ Reclaim the magic you've always felt. ✨ Walk the line between mysticism and maturity. Subscribe & hit the bell

Welcome to the Spiritually Fit Yoga podcast with Amelia Andaleon! In episode three of my 30-day December mini meditations, we explore Aparigraha, a Sanskrit word meaning "non-possessiveness," "non-attachment," or "non-greed," and is the fifth of the ⁠five Yamas⁠ (ethical restraints) in ⁠Patanjali's Yoga Sutras⁠. It involves taking only what you need, letting go of excessive material possessions, and releasing emotional attachments to things, outcomes, and the past. Aparigraha asks us: What are you gripping tightly?  What are you trying to control?  Who are you having a hard time emotionally letting go of?  Are you attached to any outcomes, results or expectations?--------------------------I'd love to hear what you are experiencing practicing these mini meditation episodes. Connect with me by leaving a comment or DM me on Instagram @spirituallyfityoga. If you found this episode valuable, please share with others. Your 5-star reviews are always appreciated.Learn more about me at ⁠⁠http://SpirituallyFitYoga.com. ⁠⁠ Check out my upcoming events and yoga retreats.Subscribe to my VIP newsletter for special offers and discounts only sent via email to my subscribers:⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/sfityoga-subscribe⁠⁠In Gratitude,Amelia AndaleonYoga & meditation teacher, lead trainer and owner of the Spiritually Fit Yoga school (RYS)

In this episode of The Kriya Yoga Podcast I speak with David McGrath, author and Kriya Yoga teacher. David and I discuss his most excellent and engaging commentary on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Pada 1.  David has written one of the most lucid and helpful modern commentaries on Patanjali's work. It is well worth the read for any serious student of yogic meditation.  You can find David's new book, Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali: Book One – Samādhi Pāda — Concentrated Absorption here: https://a.co/d/1CvtSnK Learn more about Mr. McGrath's teachings here: https://www.davidmcgrath.ie/kriya-yoga ...and if you'd like to join us on retreat in Ireland, mark your calendar for fall of 2026. David and I will be hosting a week long retreat, just south of Dublin.  -

On episode 184 of Welcome To The Winners Circle, Derek Pang interviews Ilya Vaslavskiy (www.yogawithilya.com; IG: @yogawithilya) a certified yoga teacher with over 10 years of experience and centre director of Yoga Public 2.0 (www.yogapublic.ca; IG: @yogapublic2.0) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Here are some of the subjects we touched on:- what he loves about his personal world now - is mission at Yoga Public 2.0- his personal mission that guides him in all that he does- how he got into Yoga- the foundations of his self-care- importance of community in his life- becoming a Yoga teacher- what makes a good yoga teacher- how his love for Yoga transition into a full-time career - what he learnt from teaching seniors - finding courage to go all in on your dream- how to find purpose in your life - The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali- Energetic Koshas, the five layers of your being- notable mentors that greatly influenced him- learning yin and restorative Yoga- Meridian Yoga, a practice that integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to Qi- greatest life lesson learnt thus far I hope you guys enjoy this podcast as much as we did. We are all on the same path, The Hero's Journey, just at different points along the way. Thank you so much for listening!Connect with us on Instagram: WTTWC Podcast: @wttwcDerek Pang - @pangyogahttps://www.welcometothewinnerscircle.com

In Yoga, daily actions become sacred moments we experience with awareness and surrender.In this episode, Myra Lewin explores two of the niyamas from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: svadhyaya (self-study or reflection) and ishvara pranidhana (surrender to the divine). Together, they illuminate the inner path of Yoga: refining the mind so it doesn't run (or ruin) the show, but instead serves the heart.Through reflections from her practice and personal life, Myra shares how these teachings support us to:Observe our thoughts and motivations without judgmentLet go of the illusion of control and rest in trustBalance discipline (tapas) with humility and devotionCultivate a life guided by peace, clarity, and loveWhen self-reflection meets surrender, grace begins to move through our lives, and we remember Yoga isn't something we do, but a way of being in relationship with the divine in all things.If leading others on the path of healing feels like your dharma, we invite you to apply now for a 1:1 clarity call with a member of our team so you can determine if one of our trainings is the right fit for you. Ready to bring Ayurveda into your life and guide others to do the same? Join our October 2025 Ayurvedic Health Counselor training cohort.You'll see great improvements to your personal life and health as you learn to guide others to experience vitality and health by Thanks for tuning in to the Everyday Ayurveda and Yoga at Hale Pule podcast. If this series inspires you to live a more holistic and balanced lifestyle, we invite you to join our free private community, the Hale Pule Sangha. Need a reset for your digestion and your life? Check out our 4-week Agni Therapy program - It includes Ayurveda and Yoga practices, a 1:1 consultation, energy work, a private support group, and a library of Q&As with Myra to support your healing process.If you enjoyed this podcast and received value from it, we'd appreciate it if you left a heartfelt review. It supports our mission at Hale Pule and helps us reach more people.

The holidays can bring up strong feelings. Whether you're managing travel, disruption to regular routines, over-indulgence, or deeper issues like family conflict or loss, this time of year isn't always as magical as we perhaps imagine it to be. Today, host Rachel is joined by returning guest Diane Malaspina, yoga teacher and psychologist, to share practical suggestions on how we can better self-regulate through the holiday season. In this episode, Diane stresses the importance of making time for honest reflection on our feelings regarding this season, and shares how this process prompted one key change in her own life that created more joyful holidays. Listen to this episode to learn how a mindful approach can, slowly but surely, transform your experience of the holiday season. — Show Notes: Holiday expectation versus reality [3:08] Honest reflection on how you feel about the holidays [5:20] Cultivating awareness BEFORE the holidays arrive [9:05] Carrying imagined expectations from others [11:49] Challenge one undesirable holiday pattern [14:50] Embracing seasonal rhythms [18:47] Self-regulation micro-doses accumulate [21:37] Boundaries as self-care [30:29] Grief at the holidays [39:50] Yoga Medicine Burnout Resilience Program [47:48] Final takeaways [50:48] — Links Mentioned: Watch this episode on YouTube LIVE Online Burnout Resilience Program Working with Grief – Theory & Therapeutic Application of Yoga Online Course Inside the Yoga Sutras – The Path to Freedom Online Course Exploring the Niyamas through Meditation & Practice Online Course Exploring the Yamas through Meditation & Practice Online Course Previous Yoga Medicine® Podcast Episodes with Diane Malaspina, PhD: 04: Find Ease in Uncertainty 31: The Power of Intention 57: Drishti, the Potency of Our Focus – Research Roundup 121: Yoga Sutras for Modern Life Connect with Diane Malaspina PhD: Facebook | Instagram | Diane Malaspina | Yoga Medicine® Online Guest Teacher You can learn more about this episode and see the full show notes at YogaMedicine.com/podcast-148. And you can find out more about insider tips, online classes or information on our teacher trainings at YogaMedicine.com. To support our work, please leave us a 5 star review with your feedback on iTunes/Apple Podcasts.  

Today Katie welcomes back the incredible Brett Larkin - author, teacher, and one of the most influential modern voices in yoga - for a heartfelt conversation about Ishvara Pranidhana, the art of surrender and devotion to a higher power. Together, they explore what letting go truly means and share practices that you can use to release control and connect more deeply to spirit. This episode is a reminder that enlightenment isn't about detachment; it's about expanding our capacity to feel, trust and love fully! Tune in for soulful insights and an invitation to surrender into the magic of life. Craving a deeper connection to your feminine energy and spirit? Enrollment for our Divine Feminine Ayurveda School is open and Early Bird tuition pricing ends on October 31st! Click here to learn more and enroll! In this episode about letting go and surrender, you'll hear: ~ Sign up for our free mini-course about Women's Wisdom and Ayurveda! ~ What does surrendering to a higher power actually look like? ~ The concept of Ishvara Pranidhana ~ Why Katie loves using the word God ~ How to relinquish control more in your daily life ~ What's the difference between meditation and prayer? ~ Powerful lessons from Brett's recent somatic trauma trainings ~ Common misunderstandings about yoga and enlightenment ~ Your golden shadow ~ A meditation practice to aid you in letting go ~ Katie's recent, powerful insights into the chakra system ~ Brett and Katie walk you through their current favorite energy work practices ~ What to do when someone is annoying you! Connect with Brett Larkin and The Shakti School: ~ Click here to book a free call to learn more about Ayurveda School! ~ Learn more about Brett Larkin's Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training and Somatic Yoga Teacher Training on her website! ~ Read Brett's new book Healing With Somatic Yoga ~ Connect with Brett Larkin on her YouTube and Instagram ~ Follow The Shakti School on Instagram and Facebook ~ 2026 Chakra Yoga Nidra Retreat: Deep dive into the chakras with Katie as your guide in the Bahamas in spring 2026! ~ Read Katie's latest book, Glow-Worthy! Get the full show notes here: https://theshaktischool.com/ep-228-letting-go-and-divine-surrender-with-brett-larkin/

When cramming facts hits a ceiling, yogic practice opens the window. In this conversation, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore how Einstein's relativity and Vedic ideas of time echo a truth from the Bhagavad Gītā—that spiritual realization isn't conquered by intellect but received through receptivity. Drawing on the Gītā, the Yoga Sutras, and insights from Terryl Givens, they unpack the yogic disciplines that transform perception: humility, sattva, service, and devotion. The episode bridges science and spirituality to show how the mind studies, but the heart sees. ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 *********************************************************************  

Today on the podcast, Katie shares how embracing impermanence can bring more presence and peace to our lives. She draws on Buddhist wisdom, the Yoga Sutras and the guidance of her mentors, to teach a “Precious Things Practice” that will aid you in dissolving attachments and preparing the heart to surrender. This episode invites you to quiet the mind, let go step by step and open your heart to something greater than yourself. Just two weeks left! Sign up for our Divine-Feminine Ayurveda School before October 31, 2025, and receive over $500 OFF the regular tuition price! Click here to learn more and enroll today! In this episode about the Precious Things Practice, you'll hear: ~ An invitation to book a call with one of our Ayurveda School graduates ~ Identifying the most important things in your life ~ The Yoga Sutras ~ Quieting the mind ~ Surrendering to something bigger than yourself ~ How to prepare yourself to surrender and let go ~ Step-by-step instructions for the Precious Things Practice ~ Dissolving our attachments ~ Preparing for death ~ Sign up for our free Women's Wisdom and Ayurveda mini-course Additional resources for you: ~ Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook ~ Join us in The Shakti School Membership ~ 2026 Chakra Yoga Nidra Retreat: Deep dive into the chakras with Katie as your guide in the Bahamas in spring 2026! ~ Read Katie's latest book, Glow-Worthy Find the full show notes here: https://theshaktischool.com/ep-227-the-precious-things-practice/

Karma is incompletely understood and frequently misapplied. For those who wish to understand karmic law more deeply, here we explore the parallels between different spiritual traditions, spiritual insights, and doctrines regarding karma, as they relate to individual responsibility for leading our best lives. Philip Goldberg is an acclaimed author, public speaker, and spiritual counselor. He has studied and taught about the world's spiritual wisdom for more than 50 years. Goldberg teaches private online courses on the Bhagavad-Gita, The Upanishads, and other topics. He hosts the Podcast, “Spirit Matters with Philip Goldberg” at mindbodyspirit.fm. His books include American Veda: from Emerson to the Beatles to Yoga and Meditation, How Indian Spirituality Changed the West (Harmony 2010), The Life of Yogananda: The Story of the Yogi Who Became the First Modern Guru (Hay House 2018), Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times: Powerful Tools to Cultivate Calm, Clarity, and Courage (Hay House 2020) and Karmic Relief: Harnessing the Laws of Cause-and-Effect for a Joyful Meaningful Life (Monkfish 2025) Interview Date: 8/8/2025 Tags: Philip Goldberg, consequences, Upanishads, Vedanta, Bhagavad Gita, Book of Job, H.H. the Dalai Lama, Ram Dass, Hinduism. Metta Practice, Yoga Sutras, The Golden Rule, Rabbi Hillel, Aquarian Age, Armageddon, Buddhism, Personal Transformation, Psychology

Experiencing and understanding Chitta, what Chitta is, how to know it, and its relevance to your yoga meditation practice is necessary for the promise of yoga to give its final fruits.  In this episode, we continue on from episode 7 and explore the nature of Chitta. Advised Reference Material Can be Found: Free Class on Chapter 1 (Pada 1) of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali The American Sanskrit Institute -

What's the ultimate goal of yoga? According to Patanjali—it's liberation. In this episode, I dive deep into Kaivalya Pada, the final and most mystical book of the Yoga Sutras, to explore how we disentangle from the mind's illusions and return to our true nature as pure consciousness (Purusha). We unpack the mechanics of karma, the role of Dhyana in neutralizing mental patterns, and how to finally recognize yourself as the witness, not the mind. You'll learn:

In this week's episode, Natalie and Adrienne interview Beth. From dance major to yoga mat, Beth's path hasn't been easy. She speaks candidly about her past struggles and how Yoga became a lifeline, teaching her resilience, patience, and the beauty of simply showing up. She reveals how the quiet law of observation, and the connections built through practice, can carry us through even the hardest seasons of life. Beth's story is a reminder that Yoga mirrors life itself: resilience grows when we stay present, compassion blooms when we stay connected, and freedom is found when we allow things to simply unfold.Click here to follow Beth on InstagramSend us a textWanna be on the show? Click here to fill out our guest info form or drop us a email at yogachanged@gmail.comFollow us on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@yogachangedFollow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yogachanged/For more, go to https://howyogachangedmylife.comThe theme music for this episode, “Cenote Angelita”, was written and produced by Mar Abajo Rio AKA MAR Yoga Music. Dive deeper into this and other original yoga-inspired compositions by visiting bio.site/mcrworks. For the latest updates on upcoming events featuring his live music for yoga and meditation, be sure to follow @maryogamusic on Instagram.

I was reading in the Yoga Sutras about mystic powers, and one of the ways that one develops this power—to say something that then becomes manifest is by always telling the truth. One who becomes avowedly truthful then, first of all, one of the mystic powers is he's believed everywhere. It almost sounds like one follows the other, but he's indicating there's a kind of a mystic power, and there's a way in which such a person then develops the power from speech to be able to manifest things and so forth. Well, another way to look at it is that although they're dealing with Brahma Tejas, it's kind of in a superficial way, because in this context, they're destroying things. And it's always easier to blow stuff up than it is to create something. Through the chanting of Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra, there are people who are dead spiritually, and then they come alive. I mean, if you wanted to argue it the other way, you could say like it is manifesting, because Prabhupāda came to the park, he chanted the mantra, and then all of a sudden, now there are tens of thousands of temples all over the world. Where did that come from? That's kind of hard to do. Even Brahma Tejās can't do that. (excerpt from the discussion) ------------------------------------------------------------ To connect with His Grace Vaiśeṣika Dāsa, please visit https://www.fanthespark.com/next-steps/ask-vaisesika-dasa/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Add to your wisdom literature collection: https://iskconsv.com/book-store/ https://www.bbtacademic.com/books/ https://thefourquestionsbook.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------ Join us live on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FanTheSpark/ Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sound-bhakti/id1132423868 For the latest videos, subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@FanTheSpark For the latest in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/fan-the-spark ------------------------------------------------------------ #govardhanreadings #spiritualawakening #soul #spiritualexperience #spiritualpurposeoflife #spiritualgrowthlessons #secretsofspirituality #vaisesikaprabhu #vaisesikadasa #vaisesikaprabhulectures #spirituality #bhaktiyoga #krishna #spiritualpurposeoflife #krishnaspirituality #spiritualusachannel #whybhaktiisimportant #whyspiritualityisimportant #vaisesika #spiritualconnection #thepowerofspiritualstudy #selfrealization #spirituallectures #spiritualstudy #spiritualquestions #spiritualquestionsanswered #trendingspiritualtopics #fanthespark #spiritualpowerofmeditation #spiritualteachersonyoutube #spiritualhabits #spiritualclarity #bhagavadgita #srimadbhagavatam #spiritualbeings #kttvg #keepthetranscendentalvibrationgoing #spiritualpurpose

Nirodha Saṁskāra: How the Mind Transforms in Deep Yoga One of the most fascinating ideas in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is the subtle inner transformation that happens as the mind becomes still. What Is Nirodha? Patanjali defines yoga as: “Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ” (Yoga Sutra 1.2) Yoga is the cessation (nirodha) of the fluctuations of the mind. But how do we actually reach that state? It doesn't happen all at once — it's a gradual transformation where the restless patterns of thought are replaced by inner stillness. The Two Competing Tendencies In Sutra 3.9, Patanjali describes two forces in the mind: Vyutthāna Saṁskāra: the tendency toward distraction and mental chatter Nirodha Saṁskāra: the tendency toward silence and restraint As we meditate and practice, the nirodha-saṁskāras grow stronger, and the vyutthāna-saṁskāras fade away. This shift is called nirodha-pariṇāma, or the transformation toward inner stillness. The Inner Shift The mind doesn't go silent all at once. It moves through many moments of stillness, where restraint begins to dominate. Over time, these moments string together into a deep, sustained state of peace. Understanding nirodha-saṁskāra helps us see that meditation isn't about forcing the mind, but about training it gently, allowing new patterns of stillness to take root. Every time we sit in awareness, we're imprinting peace into the mind itself. Yoga is about replacing mental noise with inner clarity. Patanjali's wisdom reminds us that transformation comes not from struggle, but from consistent practice and subtle inner change. -

What if the final stages of yoga aren't about flexibility—but inner mastery? In this episode, I dive deep into Book 3 of the Yoga Sutras, where Patanjali explores the advanced limbs of yoga—Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi—and how their fusion, called Samyama, unlocks not just insight, but mystical abilities (siddhis). We explore:

He reached the top of the corporate world -- and then gave it up to become a writer, with books that probed our deepest questions, and influenced millions of people. Gurcharan Das joins Amit Varma in episode 425 of The Seen and the Unseen to discuss his life and learnings. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.)   Also check out: 1. Gurcharan Das on Amazon, Wikipedia, Twitter, LinkedIn, Times of India and his own website. 2. Another Sort of Freedom -- Gurcharan Das. 3. India Unbound -- Gurcharan Das. 4. The Difficulty of Being Good -- Gurcharan Das. 5. Kama: The Riddle of Desire -- Gurcharan Das. 6. Three Plays: Larins Sahib, Mira, 9 Jakhoo Hill -- Gurcharan Das. 7. A Fine Family -- Gurcharan Das. 8. The Elephant Paradigm -- Gurcharan Das. 9. India Grows At Night -- Gurcharan Das. 10. The Dilemma of an Indian Liberal -- Gurcharan Das. 11. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. 12. Rashomon -- Akira Kurosawa. 13. Toba Tek Singh -- Sadat Hasan Manto. 14. Imagined Communities -- Benedict Anderson. 15. A Treatise of Human Nature -- David Hume. 16. Tales from the Kathasaritsagara -- Soma Deva (translated by Arshia Sattar). 17. What These Labels Mean -- Episode 107 of Everything is Everything. 18. Economic Facts and Fallacies -- Thomas Sowell. 19. The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression -- Amity Shlaes. 20. In Search of Lost Time -- Marcel Proust. 21. Anna Karenina -- Leo Tolstoy. 22. War and Peace -- Leo Tolstoy. 23. Pedro Páramo -- Juan Rulfo. 24. Don Quixote -- Miguel De Cervantes. 25. The Great Books of the Western World -- Edited by Mortimer J Adler. 26. The Double 'Thank You' Moment -- John Stossel. 27. From Imperial to Adaptive Firms -- Episode 37 of Everything is Everything. 28. The Life and Times of Montek Singh Ahluwalia — Episode 285 of The Seen and the Unseen. 29. The Nature of the Firm -- Ronald Coase. 30. The Reformers — Episode 28 of Everything is Everything. 31. The Importance of the 1991 Reforms — Episode 237 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Shruti Rajagopalan and Ajay Shah). 32. The Life and Times of Montek Singh Ahluwalia — Episode 285 of The Seen and the Unseen. 33. The Forgotten Greatness of PV Narasimha Rao — Episode 283 of The Seen and the Unseen (w Vinay Sitapati). 34. Naushad Forbes Wants to Fix India — Episode 282 of The Seen and the Unseen. 35. The 1991 Project. 36. The Future of War -- Episode 112 of Everything is Everything. 37. Perpetual Peace -- Immanuel Kant. 38. The Bhagawad Gita. 39. Four Quartets -- TS Eliot. 40. Walden -- Henry David Thoreau. 41. Essays on the Gita -- Sri Aurobindo. 42. Sri Bhagavadgita Rahasya -- Bal Gangadhar Tilak. 43. Many Threads of Hinduism -- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyaya. 44. Bourgeois Dignity -- Deirdre McCloskey. 45. The Makropulos Case -- Karel Capek. 46. The Makropulos case: reflections on the tedium of immortality -- Bernard Williams. 47. Don't Punish Victimless Crimes -- Episode 73 of Everything is Everything. 48. The Mahabharata. 48. Plato, Aristotle and Karl Marx. 49. Charulata -- Satyajit Ray. 50. The Apu Trilogy -- Satyajit Ray. 51. The Calcutta Trilogy -- Satyajit Ray. 52. Shatranj ke Khiladi -- Satyajit Ray. 53. Duvidha -- Mani Kaul. 54. Cinema Paradiso -- Giuseppe Tornatore. 55. Amarcord -- Federico Fellini. 56. Stolen Kisses -- François Truffaut. 57. Last Year at Marienbad -- Alain Resnais. 58. The Garden of the Finzi-Continis -- Vittorio De Sica. 59. The Prince -- Niccolò Machiavelli. 60. The Leopard -- Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa. 61. The Leopard -- Luchino Visconti. 62. Mozart, Bach, Chopin, Debussy, Kishori Amonkar and Mallikarjun Mansur on Spotify. 63. The plays of Anton Chekhov. 64. The short stories of Anton Chekhov. 65. Four Major Plays -- Federico García Lorca. 66. The Great Gatsby -- F Scott Fitzgerald. 67. Waiting for Godot -- Samuel Beckett. 68. Madame Bovary -- Gustave Flaubert. 69. The Brothers Karamazov -- Fyodor Dostoevsky. 70. The Stranger -- Albert Camus. 71. The Black Paintings -- Francisco Goya. 72. The Light in Winter -- Episode 97 of Everything is Everything. 73. Virasat-e-Khalsa. This episode is sponsored by CTQ Compounds. Check out The Daily Reader and FutureStack. Use the code UNSEEN for Rs 2500 off. Amit Varma and Ajay Shah have launched a new course called Life Lessons, which aims to be a launchpad towards learning essential life skills all of you need. For more details, and to sign up, click here. Amit and Ajay also bring out a weekly YouTube show, Everything is Everything. Have you watched it yet? You must! And have you read Amit's newsletter? Subscribe right away to The India Uncut Newsletter! It's free! Also check out Amit's online course, The Art of Clear Writing. Episode art: ‘Two Birds' by Simahina.