Everything Is A Practice: Raghunath Cappo

Feb 25, 2021

In this engaging discussion, Raghunath Cappo, a punk rock icon turned Bhakti yoga devotee, shares his remarkable journey from the vibrant punk scene to the serene practices of spirituality in India. He explores themes of self-discovery, the quest for deeper meaning beyond materialism, and the transformative power of community. Raghunath reflects on his experiences as a monk and how they shaped his understanding of identity and purpose. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, connection, and the interplay between spirituality and everyday life, inviting listeners to explore their own paths.

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INSIGHT

True Identity

Identifying with your temporary body causes pain.
Your true identity is as an eternal spiritual being.

ANECDOTE

Re-connecting with health

Raghunath describes regaining his health after listening to Rich Roll's podcast.
He was inspired to do a water fast and reconnect with healthy habits.

ANECDOTE

New York Punk

Raghunath's introduction to New York City's punk scene started with visits to his older brother.
The Lower East Side's characters and DIY music inspired him to form his own band.

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Replace ego with the eternal. Trade selfishness for service—and self-absorption for unity. Together, let’s explore the spark of divinity that resides within us all.

Meet Raghunath Cappo.

Punk rock icon. Spiritual warrior. Bhakti yoga devotee.

A teen in search of meaning, Ray Cappo fled his suburban Connecticut enclave for New York City—and found community among the misfits of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. He fell in love with punk rock, so he started a band and a record label. Success soon followed. By the late 1980’s, Youth of Today had thousands of fans, cementing Ray as a leading voice and trendsetter at the bullseye of hardcore culture.

However, a growing existential itch led Ray to call it quits. At just 22, he walked away from his band and label and decamped for India—a spiritual pilgrimage that led him to the holy village of Vrindavan.

It was there that Ray fell in love with the wisdom and traditions of Bhakti yoga.

It was there that he would remain for the next six years, living as a monk.

It was there that Ray became Raghunath.

This is the incredible story of a modern day yogi.

But it’s also about the search we all go on. The journey for personal meaning beyond the ego. And the quest for universal consequence beyond the material.

It’s about the timeless that lives and breathes within all of us—that which is eternal, and past our limited senses.

It’s about transcending the illusions that hold us back. What it means to truly devote oneself to greater truth. And the modern day challenges of trudging the path towards higher consciousness.

All told, it’s about what it really means to be a spiritual being having a human experience.

If you’ve enjoyed my conversations with musicians John Joseph & Toby Morse, spiritual leaders Guru Singh & Radhanath Swami, or modern seekers Andy Puddicombe, Jason Garner & Russell Brand, then I’m confident this will be your jam.

FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll583

YouTube: bit.ly/raghunathcappo583

Thank you to Robert Sturman, Perry Julien, Sherry Sutton & Davy Greenberg for the portraits & photo use permission.

Let the Jedi Warrior training begin.

Peace + Plants,

Rich