Best Jnana Yoga Podcasts (2024)

1
Living in the Golden Present | Mataji 1:31:24

33m ago1:31:24

1:31:24

In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, Mataji shares insights into her life journey and spiritual path. Born in Washington DC on April Fool's Day, she considers her birth a blessing. Reflecting on her childhood, Mataji recalls her cheerful disposition and love for quiet introspection and learning. She discusses her upbringing in a household …

1
Tales of the Spirit | Snehan Born 58:31

9d ago58:31

58:31

The podcast delves into the profound spiritual journey of Snehan Born, tracing his path from early experiences in church to a lifelong quest for truth and enlightenment. Through encounters with various religious traditions, philosophical explorations, and travels worldwide, Snehan embarks on a quest to understand the deeper meaning of existence. Sn…

1
#12 - Become Heart Present and Practice Selfless Service 24:04

12d ago24:04

24:04

This episode is based on a talk given by Dr. Swami Shankardev to Yogic Studies students in February 2005 on the keys to heart presence and selfless service. This talk arose in response to a student who was struggling to practice service, an aspect of Karma Yoga. In the talk, Swami Shankardev discusses the following: 1. Selfless service is an import…

1
Let's Do Less | Rachel Jensen 1:05:02

1M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

Rachel discusses her philosophy of "Let's Do Less," advocating for slowing down in today's fast-paced world. She emphasizes the power of doing less for self-care and healing, particularly in trauma work. Rachel explores the intersection of presence, genuine connection, and identity in self-care practices. She highlights the importance of being mind…

1
Tuning In | Narada Williams 1:01:54

1M ago1:01:54

1:01:54

The conversation delves into the profound impact of communal singing and the healing power of sound vibration, emphasizing the significance of discovering one's authentic voice. It explores experiences in group singing settings, highlighting the importance of encouragement and support for individuals to overcome fear and judgment. Reflections on pr…

1
#11 - Life purpose, chakras, and self-realization 54:10

2M ago54:10

54:10

This podcast episode is from an interview with my good friend Ron Ehrlich in 2019 for his podcast Unstress. For many years, Ron was my holistic dentist. However, he has recently found a new life purpose and has retired to focus on health education. You can find out more about Ron and the wonderful work he is doing at his website, Unstress Online: h…

1
Healing from Within | Heather Mason 55:50

2M ago55:50

55:50

Heather Mason, the founder of the Minded Institute, shares her compelling journey from personal mental health challenges to becoming a leading advocate for yoga therapy integration into healthcare systems. Drawing from her own experiences and the transformative power of yoga and mindfulness meditation, Mason emphasizes the need for alternative appr…

1
Challenging the Norms | Michelle Jacobi 54:54

3M ago54:54

54:54

In this enlightening episode, Michelle Jacobi shares her captivating journey into the world of yoga. Starting as a professional dancer in New York with a keen interest in philosophy, Michelle stumbled upon yoga for its profound background rather than its physical aspect. During this conversation she recalls a transformative experience at the Uptown…

1
Holistic Horizons | James Knight 53:31

4M ago53:31

53:31

This dialogue between James and Avi takes a deep dive into the states of unified consciousness and the challenges of maintaining an expanded awareness amidst the daily nuances of life. Explore the concept of 'inner yes' as a guiding force in decision-making, where the body's sensations become a compass for mindful choices. Witness James' reflection…

1
Spiritual Strength | Govind Das 1:02:39

4M ago1:02:39

1:02:39

In this episode, Govind Das shares profound reflections on his recent visit to India, marking his 21st journey to the country. He emphasizes the spiritual richness of sacred places like Rishikesh and Vrindavan, contrasting them with the materialistic focus of big cities. The conversation delves into the significance of rituals and practices in conn…

1
Living Yoga Principles | Prakash Capen 56:02

5M ago56:02

56:02

Prakash explores yoga as unity, emphasizing its role in bringing people together. She delves into Raja yoga, focusing on the study of yoga sutras, advocating for individual reflection and practical application of yogic principles. Capen addresses the challenge of self-judgment, advocating for a sense of humor in the pursuit of balance. She discusse…

1
The Power of Pausing | Jess Frey 49:53

6M ago49:53

49:53

This podcast episode features a conversation with Jess Frey about her recent silent retreat experience and the idea of "coming home" to oneself. Jess and Avi delve into finding a balance between self-improvement and helping others. They discuss the concept of emotional armor and authenticity, highlighting the practice of pausing. The conversation a…

1
From Rebellion to Yoga and Service | Lakshmi Barsel 1:08:19

7M ago1:08:19

1:08:19

Lakshmi has dedicated 16 years to the prison project, using Gurudev's teachings to help incarcerated individuals transform their lives. She speaks about the punitive U.S. prison system, its role in drug issues, and stresses the importance of kindness. The U.S. prison system's flaws are discussed, with the need for rehabilitation highlighted, given …

1
We Seek the Flow of the Heart | Graham Schweig 44:59

7M ago44:59

44:59

Graham Schweig sits down with Avi Gordon in a conversation that covers the importance of yoga, gratitude, and selflessness in reconnecting with one's heart and embracing life's conditioning forces. They discuss the transformative power of yoga in turning inward to confront inner conflicts and suffering, ultimately leading to self-awareness and grow…

1
Turning the Mind Into an Altar to God | Govind Das 55:08

8M ago55:08

55:08

Renowned kirtan artist Govind Das speaks with Avi Gordon about turning the mind into an "altar to God", making the transition to heart-centered living, the importance of understanding and accepting one's humanness while striving for spiritual progress, and much more. In his freshman year of college, in 1989, Govind Das was introduced to the practic…

1
Working Without Tension | Swami Divyananda 40:09

9M ago40:09

40:09

Avi and Swami Divyananda discuss prioritizing inner peace, the role of meditation, nurturing personal relationships, letting go of the need to be "right", and they reflect on Swami Satchidananda's teachings and legacy. Swami Divyananda Ma, E-RYT 500, has had a wealth of experience teaching Integral Yoga around the world since 1973. She has taught a…

1
Go Within | Amma Kidd 50:01

9M ago50:01

50:01

Amma Kidd and Avi discuss the significance of collective prayer, the transformative influence of a guru, surrendering to God's will, and the interconnectedness of all creation. Amma emphasizes the importance of "seeking first the kingdom of God" by going within, and always and forever "rising above". Amma Kidd is a former secretary to and long-time…

1
#10 - Ajapa Japa - Healing the Mind Stage 1 14:21

9M ago14:21

14:21

In today’s episode, we are providing you with the Introductory lesson from Healing the Mind – Ajapa Japa Stage 1 Course. It is also available as a video on Big Shakti’s YouTube channel. Ajapa Japa is a wonderful and extremely powerful form of meditation that combines many forms of meditation, including relaxation, mindfulness, breath, prana, life f…

1
The Beauty and Awe of Sound and Life | Jesse Sadhu Gallagher 59:39

9M ago59:39

59:39

Sadhu and Avi discuss music, healing, and Yoga, with two short improvised performances. Jesse Gallagher has been a professional touring musician since 2001, and a music producer and recording engineer since 2008. He toured extensively as a member of Apollo Sunshine from 2001-2010, and now composes and performs with a variety of projects, including …

1
Jeff Ananda Kamen | Connection, Caring, Compassion and Stillness 59:03

10M ago59:03

59:03

Avi speaks with past broadcast journalist and present yogi Jeff Ananda Kamen, who shares some engrossing stories about his adventures and his search for meaning, purpose and understanding. Jeff Kamen first met Swami Satchidananda in 1973 when he made the first public television documentary on yoga in America. It was a primetime special on New York …

1
John Ferguson | Finding Purpose in Adversity: Inspiring Veterans' Mental Health Journey 1:09:18

10M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

In this inspiring interview, John Ferguson shares his personal journey of finding positivity and using it as a tool to help veterans struggling with mental health issues. John emphasizes the importance of service and reaching out to support those who are suffering. Through his experiences with yoga and meditation, he highlights the power of these p…

1
#9 - What is Ajapa Japa 32:36

10M ago32:36

32:36

If you only ever study one yoga meditation technique over your lifetime, you would be wise to choose Ajapa Japa. Ajapa Japa combines many forms of meditation into one powerful practice that heals and transforms your mind. Ajapa Japa is a potent guided yoga and meditation technique that you can use to improve every part of your life: physical, menta…

1
Seán Johnson | From Tragedy to Connection: Music as a Path of Transformation 47:37

11M ago47:37

47:37

Kirtan artist Seán Johnson, of Seán Johson and the Wild Lotus Band, discusses: the importance of preparation for presenting and his personal singing practice as a means of connecting to the universe the balance between planning and staying present in the moment - using templates as a framework for improvisation and creativity experiences of doubt, …

1
#8 - Tantra explained 14:16

11M ago14:16

14:16

This episode is taken from a series of lectures given by Dr Swami Shankardev to a yoga group in 2005. It focuses on tantra. He briefly describes the difference between yoga and tantra and how tantra fits into the profound philosophical systems of India. Out of the myriad systems that arose over the millennia, 6 systems, called the shad darshana, be…

1
Swami Sugunananda | We're All God's Children 41:36

12M ago41:36

41:36

Avi Gordon speaks with Swami Sugunananda, a monastic since 2010. Sugunananda shares her journey of becoming a swami after the loss of her partner, and discusses finding clarity through faith and guidance from her guru, the role of intuition in decision-making, the importance of faith and humility, the practice of meditation and prayer, and other to…

1
#7 - Introduction to Yoga and Tantra 19:42

12M ago19:42

19:42

This episode is taken from Big Shakti’s Light on the Chakras and Kundalinī training master class series. This masterclass is taught once every two years and is conducted over nine months. In this episode, which comes out of Lesson 1, we discuss the concepts of yoga, meditation, tantra, and yoga-tantra. The Sanskrit word yoga means connection or uni…

1
Richard Sclove | Modern Problems and Ancient Solutions 52:48

12M ago52:48

52:48

Avi Gordon and Richard Sclove recently discussed some thought-provoking themes from Richard's latest book, "Escaping Maya's Palace: Decoding an Ancient Myth to Heal the Hidden Madness of Modern Civilization". The conversation touched on topics such as the impact of capitalism on psychological-spiritual development, addiction, and the spiritual grow…

1
#6 - Jayne's intuitive dream therapy - interview with Swami Shankardev 34:52

1y ago34:52

34:52

This episode is available on YouTube https://youtu.be/ORs0rDsqZBQ In this episode of Big Shakti’s podcast, I interview Jayne Stevenson, my life partner and co-creator of Big Shakti. We have been together in this life for 22 wonderful years. We talk about Jayne’s counseling and psychotherapy practice and how she combines spirituality and creativity,…

1
#5 - Dr Swami Shankardev's medical, yoga therapy, psychotherapy practice - interview with Ron Ehrlich 36:58

1y ago36:58

36:58

This podcast episode is from an interview with my good friend Ron Ehrlich in 2022 for his podcast Unstress. For many years Ron was also my holistic dentist. However, he has recently retired to focus more on health education. You can find out more about Ron and the wonderful work he is doing at his website Unstress Online https://www.unstressonline.…

1
Lindsaya VanDeusen | Being Your Own Best Friend 1:02:23

1y ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Avi and Lindsaya talk about beauty culture, caring (or not caring) what others think of us, the value of simply being aware, how to be your own best friend, the tremendous perspective change of becoming a parent, and more. Lindsaya VanDeusen is a Beauty + Wellness Strategist and community creator. She passionately empowers humans to amplify the Wel…

1
#4 - The Importance of Self-awareness 15:59

1y ago15:59

15:59

A video of this podcast episode is on Big Shakti's youtube channel https://youtu.be/UMQ7yQ2v4Rk This podcast episode is taken from Big Shakti’s Light on the Chakras and Kundalinī training master class series. This masterclass is taught once every two years and is conducted over nine months. It consists of 20 lessons, and you receive one lesson ever…

1
#3 - What is Yoga Nidra Meditation? 27:12

1y ago27:12

27:12

This podcast episode is all about Yoga Nidra, a wonderful relaxation meditation technique developed by the great yoga adept Swami Satyananda Saraswati of the Bihar School of Yoga in India. Yoga Nidra, as a meditation technique, enables you to remain awake and alert as you venture into the deep sleep state. Instead of becoming unconscious, you exper…

1
Greta Rose Pharr | Exhilarating Comfort in the Unknown 1:13:56

1y ago1:13:56

1:13:56

Avi and Greta Rose discuss optimism, finding comfort in the unknown, living a simple life, gratitude, and more. Greta Rose Pharr has been helping companies tell their stories around the world in unforgettable ways since the era of digital marketing began at the turn of the century (love being able to say that). Greta Rose Agency is best known for w…

1
#2 - Relaxation Meditation 22:37

1y ago22:37

22:37

In this podcast, you will hear the first track of the 3 Easy Steps to Deep Relaxation Meditation MP3 series. We intend to use these first few podcasts to provide some background information on yoga and meditation. Once we have covered the basics, then we can take a deep dive into the more amazing and wonderful aspects of Indian philosophy and its e…

1
Rev. Shankar Fern | A Preview of Enlightenment 56:18

1y ago56:18

56:18

Avi Gordon and Shankar Fern discuss the long term changes as a result of Yoga practice, faith and trust, enlightenment, the key to healthy relationships, and working with troubled young people. Biographical Notes: Bruce was given the Sanskrit name Shankar directly by his Guru Sri Swami Satchidananda who is one of the great Yoga Masters and God Real…

1
#1 - What are Yoga and Meditation? 32:09

1y ago32:09

32:09

Today's podcast episode describes what yoga and meditation are, how meditation is both a technique and a state of being, and how meditation is a process of self-discovery that unfolds in stages. The stages of meditation are described in detail, including the stage of relaxation and introversion, the stage of concentration, the true meditative state…

1
Mia Velez | Resisting the Momentum of Habit 48:14

1y ago48:14

48:14

Mia Velez and Avi Gordon discuss Yoga and kung fu, connecting to something bigger, finding divinity within, the tao of activism, our relationship with words, inclusivity in Yoga and more. Mia entered Integral Yoga in 2016 through the kitchen, by cooking community lunches and silent retreat meals. Even though she'd been teaching yoga since 2008, she…

1
Genevieve Georget | Wrestling with God 59:49

1y ago59:49

59:49

Genevieve Georget and Avi Gordon discuss "wrestling with God", what it means to be ok, acknowledging the smallness of the mind, surrender, community building and other topics. Genevieve is a full-time writer, photographer, and storyteller whose work has been seen on Oprah.com, “The Good Mother Project,” “Addicted 2 Success,””Real Leaders Magazine,”…

1
Lucy Cannon | The Joy of Authenticity 46:27

1+ y ago46:27

46:27

Avi and Lucy Cannon discuss the balance between service and self care, overcoming the need for approval, rigidity and growth into authenticity. Lucy Cannon was born in London, and moved to Portugal as a young child. Following her studies, she moved to London where she worked at the fashion house Gucci for 3 years. In 1999, she returned to Portugal …

1
Laksmi Scalise | The Magic Spot of Equanimity 1:11:30

1+ y ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Laksmi Scalise talks with Avi Gordon about "mind science", the joy of not knowing, getting to "that magic spot" of total acceptance, gurus and more. Reverend Laksmi Scalise, IYM, RYT 500, is an Integral Yoga minister and teaches Beginners,Intermediate and Advanced Hatha Yoga. In 1977 she began studying Yoga under Swami Bua Maharaj, whose students s…

1
Chandra Sgammato | Shifting the Way We Approach Life 37:43

1+ y ago37:43

37:43

Chandra discusses her introduction to Integral Yoga, balancing priorities in life, letting go of "being right" and recognizing what's important, and introducing others to Yoga. Chandra/Jo Sgammato is a certified Integral Yoga instructor who served for twenty years at the Integral Yoga Institute of New York in many capacities, mostly as general mana…

1
Meenakshi Angel Honig | Ahimsa and Our Diet 1:08:03

1+ y ago1:08:03

1:08:03

Avi and vegan author Meenakshi Angel Honig discuss Swami Satchidananda, the idea of ahimsa (non-violence) as applied to our diet, talking to people about veganism, the connection between ahimsa and happiness, and her new book "The Solution: 10 Compelling Reasons to Choose a Plant-based Diet & Lifestyle - The Why & The How". Meenakshi Angel Honig is…

1
Rabbi Rami Shapiro | To Be a Blessing to All the Families of the Earth 1:19:46

1+ y ago1:19:46

1:19:46

Avi and Rabbi Rami discuss Shabbos, play, freedom of belief, tribalism, silence, gratitude practice, changing the world without antagonism and the divine feminine. Rabbi Rami Shapiro is an award–winning author of over thirty-six books on religion and spirituality. He received rabbinical ordination from the Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of R…

1
Victoria Moran | God in a Dragonfruit 48:01

1+ y ago48:01

48:01

Avi Gordon and Victoria Moran discuss veganism, yoga, ahimsa and being a good example. Featured twice on Oprah and listed by VegNews magazine among the Top 10 Living Vegetarian Authors, Victoria Moran has written thirteen books including Creating a Charmed Life and Main Street Vegan. Her Integral Yoga training started in the early 1970s, and she is…

1
Rev. Kumari de Sachy | A Vision of the Whole 59:30

1+ y ago59:30

59:30

Avi Gordon in conversation with Rev. Kumari de Sachy. Rev. Kumari has been a devotee of Sri Swami Satchidananda since 1981 and has lived and served in many capacities at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville since 1986, including as editor of the Integral Yoga Magazine, Publications Manager, LYT and Ashram Yogi Manager, Resident Services Director, Vidyala…

1
James Knight | Gentle Somatic Yoga 1:05:26

1+ y ago1:05:26

1:05:26

Avi Gordon in conversation with James Knight, the creator of Gentle Somatic Yoga. James is one of the early pioneers to bridge yoga and Somatics. Gentle Somatic Yoga® (GSY) is the culmination of his life’s work as an experienced yoga teacher, certified Hanna Somatic Educator, body-oriented psychotherapist, movement educator, and author. James train…

1
Radha Metro-Midkiff | Growing Up with Integral Yoga 52:06

2y ago52:06

52:06

How many of us can say that we grew up in a yogic household, going to a yogic school, living at an ashram, surrounded by the grace of the Guru? Radha Metro-Midkiff can. Radha shares about her childhood, her current service, and her special relationship with Swami Satchidananda. Radha Metro-Midkiff, Executive Director for the Integral Yoga Institute…

1
Kelley Nicole Palmer | Yoga and Wholeness 53:16

2y ago53:16

53:16

This conversation between Kelley and Avi addresses a multitude of social issues and how they relate to the world of yoga. Is there a place for shame and guilt within the human experience? Why does it seem so challenging sometimes for people to take the right action? Should every human have their basic needs met, and what are those basic needs? What…