Big Shakti’s podcast covers all forms of higher yoga, including Indian philosophy, Samkhya, raja yoga, bhakti yoga, jnana yoga, yoga tantra, mantra and yantra, chakras and kundalini, Sri Vidya, Eastern and Western psychology, which includes yoga psychology and the analytical psychology of Carl Jung, dreams and imagination, karma, Indian astrology, Jyotish. Published by www.bigshakti.com
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A podcast about spirituality, community, and living with integrity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Joy Nandy visited three Ashrams in India to find the Meaning of Life. He now writes books on what was taught to him at the ashrams in India in Jnana Yoga. He now reveals these “Gems From The Ashrams” through his books, videos, and podcasts for all to relish and gain. Every human being must unite with the Joy that he or she truly is eventually. These books show the way as explained in the great Ancient Hindu Scriptures. Youtube channel - https://bit.ly/2JPxO0P Facebook - JoyNandyAuthor
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In our day, Swami Jyotirmayananda stands as one of the most important personalities in expanding the consciousness and elevating the lives of thousands throughout the world. Through his inspiring message and great love for all, he is making a powerful impact on the world we live in.
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Talks about the Essence of Life. Deep spiritual insights from Yoga experts and Masters. Recordings from Yoga Vidya, Europe's leading network of Yoga Teachers, Yoga Centers and Ashrams.
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Gita in daily life for peace, harmony, and happiness How to transform your life by learning principles, practices from Gita. The source and the inspiration Eastern wisdom 6000 years’ old tradition supported by 3000 teachers and texts. The goal of eastern wisdom is to discovery the true nature to end stress, suffering, and awaken to inner peace and happiness Why this program? •Learn simple and easy steps to relax within few minutes. •Educate and empower your mind to induce relaxation anytime ...
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Sādhaka is a collection of special podcast mini-trainings from Embodied Philosophy and the Embodied Podcasts Network. Each multi-part series of Sādhaka explores a different area of dharma and contemplative studies. We feature series on topics from Buddhism to Hinduism, from Yoga to the Divine Feminine. Taught by Faculty and Friends of Embodied Philosophy, each series is a short audio course on the topic it explores. To watch the video version of these episodes, become a digital member for ac ...
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#14 - From Narcissism to Self-Awareness - The Role of Shadow in Spiritual Evolution
27:31
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The following two talks by Jayne on the Shadow were taken from the Light in the Chakras and Kundalinī Course that we ran in 2022. They are taken from Classes 3 and 5. Understanding what the shadow is and being able to deal with upwellings from the shadow is extremely important in the more advanced practices of the yoga-tantra tradition. This is bec…
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Practicing the Yoga Sutras | Carroll Ann Friedmann
1:13:01
1:13:01
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In this podcast episode, Carroll Ann Friedmann shares the story behind her book "Practicing the Yoga Sutras," which stemmed from a decade-long journey of chanting and studying the sutras. Friedmann recounts her initial inspiration in India, where she was taught the art of chanting. This practice continued back home in Charlottesville, where she for…
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Societal Pressures and Heartfelt Living | Dominique Aramati
48:18
48:18
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The discussion centers on the concept of Dharma, or life purpose, and explores how individuals can discover and align with their true calling. The conversation delves into the importance of listening to the heart rather than the mind, emphasizing activities that bring joy and love, such as community engagement and connecting with nature. Dominique …
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#13 – Self-awareness, Self-Regulation, Self-Mastery
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Here are the main points of this podcast Self-awareness is the core principle in yoga and meditation. It reflects consciousness and helps us transcend life’s problems by anchoring us in the self. Consciousness is our center. The body and mind are composed of energy, which can be gross, subtle, or causal. Cultivating self-awareness allows us to expe…
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Cultivating Compassion and Creativity | Siva Fiske
1:11:26
1:11:26
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Concept of Peace: Siva discusses peace as a profound state of consciousness that goes beyond the absence of conflict. It involves a sense of awe and connection with the beauty of creation and the presence of the divine in the world. Path to Peace and Creativity: Siva shares that his journey to inner peace began in childhood through imaginative play…
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Beyond Borders: Exploring the Ancient Sounds | Daniel Scruggs
1:19:53
1:19:53
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Daniel Scruggs shares his mission with Peace Culture Music, focusing on educating and inspiring through rare musical instruments and artifacts. He reflects on his personal journey, including struggles with dysgraphia and attention issues, which fueled his passion for music and culture. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing uniquen…
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Living in the Golden Present | Mataji
1:31:24
1:31:24
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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 …
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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…
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#12 - Become Heart Present and Practice Selfless Service
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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…
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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…
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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…
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#11 - Life purpose, chakras, and self-realization
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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From Rebellion to Yoga and Service | Lakshmi Barsel
1:08:19
1:08:19
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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 …
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We Seek the Flow of the Heart | Graham Schweig
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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…
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Turning the Mind Into an Altar to God | Govind Das
55:08
55:08
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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…
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Working Without Tension | Swami Divyananda
40:09
40:09
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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…
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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…
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#10 - Ajapa Japa - Healing the Mind Stage 1
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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…
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The Beauty and Awe of Sound and Life | Jesse Sadhu Gallagher
59:39
59:39
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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 …
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Jeff Ananda Kamen | Connection, Caring, Compassion and Stillness
59:03
59:03
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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 …
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John Ferguson | Finding Purpose in Adversity: Inspiring Veterans' Mental Health Journey
1:09:18
1:09:18
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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…
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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…
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Seán Johnson | From Tragedy to Connection: Music as a Path of Transformation
47:37
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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, …
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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…
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Swami Sugunananda | We're All God's Children
41:36
41:36
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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…
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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…
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Richard Sclove | Modern Problems and Ancient Solutions
52:48
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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…
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#6 - Jayne's intuitive dream therapy - interview with Swami Shankardev
34:52
34:52
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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,…
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#5 - Dr Swami Shankardev's medical, yoga therapy, psychotherapy practice - interview with Ron Ehrlich
36:58
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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.…
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Lindsaya VanDeusen | Being Your Own Best Friend
1:02:23
1:02:23
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Greta Rose Pharr | Exhilarating Comfort in the Unknown
1:13:56
1:13:56
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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…
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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…
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Rev. Shankar Fern | A Preview of Enlightenment
56:18
56:18
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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…
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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…
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Mia Velez | Resisting the Momentum of Habit
48:14
48:14
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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…
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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,”…
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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 …
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Laksmi Scalise | The Magic Spot of Equanimity
1:11:30
1:11:30
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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…
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Chandra Sgammato | Shifting the Way We Approach Life
37:43
37:43
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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…
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Meenakshi Angel Honig | Ahimsa and Our Diet
1:08:03
1:08:03
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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…
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Rabbi Rami Shapiro | To Be a Blessing to All the Families of the Earth
1:19:46
1:19:46
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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…
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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…
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