Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind: *Karma* (with Ellen Johannesen)

In this episode of the Escaping Samsara Podcast, we begin a four-part journey into the Four Thoughts That Turn the Mind—a set of foundational Buddhist contemplations that help orient us toward Dharma.

Our focus today is on karma. I’m joined by Ellen Johansson, a long-time Ashtanga teacher and committed Vajrayana practitioner, who brings deep insight into how karma works—not as punishment, but as a mirror of cause and effect, intention and outcome.

We explore how karma is understood across Buddhist and yogic traditions, what it means to take responsibility for our actions, and how this recognition can become a force for transformation.

We also touch on the differences in how Buddhism and yoga approach the idea of selfhood, and how both paths invite us into ethical living grounded in compassion.

Ellen shares about her upcoming yoga teacher training rooted in philosophical inquiry, and we invite you to sit with these ideas—see how they land, and where they lead.

More on Ellen: https://ashtanganepal.com/

And: https://www.instagram.com/ashtanganepal/

Escaping Samsara Substack: https://escapingsamsara.substack.com/