The shrine has a mosque-like roof, white as a meringue. People, some in robes, walk in-between evergreen trees laden with jackfruit. It’s the rainy season in Bangladesh and everything is hot and wet. Muhammed Ali fixes us with a calm gaze beneath authoritarian eyebrows. Behind him, a woman sweeps around the grave of saint Lalon Shah and that of his mother. The two six-foot-long prisms are covered with patterned material and spicy smokes threads through latticed burners. Lalon’s main disciples are buried outside the small mausoleum. Ali points out one of the graves, “my father lies there. I inherited the role of caretaker from him,” he says. He takes us to the main hall. We slip off our shoes and step onto cool, white stone. Inside, devotees recline in the midday heat. Women and children sit around bags of spicy peas and rotis, their saris the colour of oak and red squirrels and emerald. Lalon Shah lived and taught here, in Kushtia, Bangladesh throughout the 19th century. He died in 1890 aged over 100 years old. “Lalon was one of the most influential mystic saints of the Indian subcontinent. He has inspired millions with his songs,” said Lalim Haque, a researcher and Lalon expert. “His lyrics are so profound he has been able to touch the lives of not only people who have a taste for music but all people.” Haque is kind and avuncular. He said Lalon’s songs, especially when heard in their original Bangla, have the power to propel people to spiritual heights. Estimated to have composed thousands of songs, Lalon and his followers went on to influence 20th century greats like Rabindranath Tagor, the Bengali poet, Allan Ginsberg and Bob Dylan. To contemporary Bangladeshis he is like Shakespeare, Martin Luther King and Ekhart Tolle rolled into one. Barely an hour goes by at Lalon’s shrine without a song being sung, day or night. The twang of the ektara, a single-stringed instrument, its sound somewhere between a banjo and a sitar, joins scurrying drums and tinkling symbols. His followers are called Bauls, they are a mystical sect found in Bangladesh and West Bengal. Some are part timers with families and jobs who don white robes and sing songs of egalitarianism on the weekends. Others are homeless mendicants, devoted to the path. Outside the shrine, there is a park with a ten-foot portrait of Lalon. It wafts with weed and tobacco. Rumana, a former lawyer, has been a full-time Baul for 22 years. She plants a clay pipe between her fingers, cups her hands and inhales. She is charismatic, intelligent and, unlike many of her companions, reveals clean white teeth whenever she smiles, which is very often. She can speak English but refuses to be interviewed until we come back with a translator saying that Bengla is the only language she can use to describe these sacred things. Listen to this unique episode. Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal 

Ajahn Achalo an Australian buddhist monk and current abbot of Anandagiri Forest Monastery in North Thailand. He was born in Brisbane and ordained in the lineage of Ajahn Chah in 1996. In recent times he has created some extensive online teachings that are proving popular on meditation apps, Spotify and the like. You can find his writings and Dharma talks on the website of the monastery. In this conversation, Ajahn Achalo generously shared his thoughts on many intricate aspects of Buddhist practice. The ease and open-heartedness with which he engaged in conversation with us is something very special. Listen in. Show notes Listening to the sound of the waves First spiritual instruction from a hippie in a new age bookstore From discovering Metta meditation to recording guided instructions for practitioners Will Metta come automatically if you practice enough Vipassana? How death mediation practice can lead to enhanced self aversion Core toolbox meditation practices, qualities of the Buddha and how to relate to them Brahma Viharas and Jhana meditation, becoming and desire energies in our practice Dangers of overestimating your results, difference between Upacara Samadhi and Jhana Role of contentment and gratitude, and the practice of celibacy The story of the forest monk Intentions in Metta meditation and the importance of carrying them into the world Exploring teachings of different schools of Buddhism, learning from Dalai Lama The story behind Nathan's Maitreya tattoo New books and the story behind Ajahn Achalo's over 3500 hrs of meditation at Bodh Gaya What constitutes Enlightenment Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal

From Ferguson to New York, and from Germany and South Africa to Australia and Brazil, Lisa Sharon Harper leads trainings that increase clergy and community leaders’ capacity to organize people of faith toward a just world. A prolific speaker, writer and activist, Ms. Harper is the founder and president of FreedomRoad.us, a consulting group dedicated to shrinking the narrative gap in our nation by designing forums and experiences that bring common understanding, common commitment and common action. Show notes Lisa's Podcast about social justice and activism Milk, donuts and the first prayer at night in the middle of the Pine Barrens Deepening of the kindled interest through studies and culture Concept of religious conviction Lisa's take on slavery references in the Bible Retracing Cherokee Trail of Tears and seeking understanding in the Bible From the mind to the heart and how spirituality is only as powerful as you allow it to engage with the world around you Hearing the soul's cry, dangers of defining people, the need for silence as a space where one can here God's voice The empires of lies and the need of identifying the Truth to change them The idea of the fists and the heads Political activism, confrontation as spiritual act of worship Global awakening and the age of transition Lisa's books, podcast, consulting group Freedom Road Ms. Harper authored 5 books. You can find out more about her work by visiting https://lisasharonharper.com/ Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal

On this episode we talk to Ajahan Succito a british-born Buddhist monk and former abbot of Cittaviveka monestry in the UK. I became aware of Ajahn Succito when my teacher gave a series of talks on the Paramis – the Buddhist virtues – based on his book on the subject. I hadn’t heard of the Paramis or Succito but my teacher was so enthused by his presentation of the subject I couldn’t help but get a copy which turned out to be easy as all his books are freely available here. I worked with his Paramis book and still do to this day. My teacher also gave me a copy of Rude Awakenings, his memoir of an incredible pilgrimage on foot visiting the Buddhist holy sites in Kathmandu and North India. I met him a few times at his base at Cittaviveka monastery not far from London in the UK. I was struck by his complete lack of pretentiousness and self-regard. He spoke in the way a tree might speak to the wind and showed me that it is possible to bring the ancient teachings of the Buddha to full fruition today. Show notes First spiritual experience through Hatha Yoga practices and recognition of death University studies, psychedelics, discovering of the Eastern spirituality, travelling to India and Thailand 5th precept of abstaining from intoxicants and the use of psychedelics Buddhist Paramis and their expression in life Renunciation - moving away from sensual indulgences or differentiating wants from needs Why true equanimity is almost inconceivable From Dharma to culture Problem of compartmentalisation of meditation Tips on cultivating of Paramis and seeking wholesome states The 4 floods, body maps and experience of reality Spirituality as a natural process, environmental crisis as opportunity to awaken Visit Forest Sangha website to find all books by Ajahn Succito as well as his website to find out more about Ajahn's teachings. Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal

To us Monica is an embodiment of the yogic way of living. With around 40 years of spiritual practice she is also a Doctor of Chiropractic , Yoga Therapist and co-author of "Ashtanga Yoga, Practice and Philosophy" and "Ashtanga Yoga, The Intermediate Series". Her passion for teaching yogic anatomy unlocks this uneasy subjects to many of her students. In intensive immersions that she offers together with her husband, Gregor Maehle, Monica is also teaching chanting. Her devotion and love for the practice helps students to tap into the world of infinite beauty the moment the first OM together is chanted. We are privileged and grateful to have her on our show. Show notes Monica's first encounters with Samsara Halahala Glimpse into the Essence and discovery of Hridaya, the spiritual heart Meditation practice, meeting Maharaji Prem Rawat Starting on the path of Yoga Role of meditation in allaying the fear of death Work and discipline in a spiritual practice Surrendering, synchronicity and serendipity Tapping into emotional scars and working with samskaras through yoga practice Yoga as a form of psychotherapy? Role of ethics on and off the mat and thoughts on teaching it Embracing humanity and finding refuge in practice You can find many great articles by Monica in the blog https://chintamaniyoga.com/blog/, as well teaching schedule under https://8limbs.com/. Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal

Talking to Simon Borg-Olivier is like going snorkelling with Jacque Yve Cousteau - you suddenly find yourself in a bathyscaphe at the bottom of the ocean exploring its depth and multifacetedness of creatures you never knew existed, although in our case it's the ocean of Yoga and the creatures are different angles to view mudras, kriyas, asanas, yogic breathing and the concept of movement itself. In this fascinating talk Simon takes us on a wild ride through many different angles to view the common things - from questioning the validity of the most basic instructions like lifting your arms and drawing your shoulders down in Surya Namasakara to how almost any yogic tool can cause a different outcome based on your intention and tiniest details of your technique.   We speak about Simon's ideal practice routine, how to nourish yourself with practice in the hard time of Covid-19 caused isolation, how to stay connected while being isolated and physically disconnected, how to expand your meditative practice far beyond the formal time spent on the yoga matt. This interview offers you so many dimensions to explore, think and question your views and believes, and we felt very enriched, and once again mystified with all the new pieces of the yogic puzzle. Show notes Looking into drishti and physiological aspecs of chanting Simon's take on breathing practice Practice of kriyas - the intricacies of Nauli & Lauliki and dosha specific objectives Moving from the core Self isolation and how yogic tools can help: meditative states Meditative cleaning :) Thoughts on what makes a supportive practice vs. increasing stress level through activity Coping with isolation and finding a perspective in the info swamp Breathing waves geekery Ratios in Nadi Shodana and the subject of Kumbhaka Are you able to breathe into your chest in a relaxed way? 7 stages of Hatha Yoga treatise and Basti kriya as a prerequisite for mudra, asana and pranayama Important paradigm shifts to happen in modern postural yoga Kapalabhati, Bastrika, Nauli and the danger of misinterpretation of their purposes Shades of Kumbhaka Incredible hyperventilation experiment Words of caution and thoughts on selecting a teacher and teaching Check out YogaSynergy or his personal website for more information on Simon's teaching. Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal

Lorraine Cavanagh is an Anglican priest, theologian and a sincere practitioner of Christian path. Her journey is about cultivating and helping others to establish personal relationship with God, outside of any dogmatic concept or structure. It's about spirituality, and not about church. She is also a writer and a podcast host. In this interview Lorraine shares with us her thoughts on the problems of modern Christian religion, the common misunderstandings about major Christian concepts and helps us better understand some fundamental metaphors of Christianity. We speak about the practice of prayer and the importance of silence, and ask her many more quirky questions, while she kindly and lovingly shares her wisdom with us. Show notes Lorraine's remarkable experience - the choosing of the Path True meaning of Mission and Evangelism in Christianity Reasons and consequences of the spiritual experience Institutionalised religion and what increasing spirit of managerialism does to it Misunderstanding of the conecpt of Prophecy Hard questions and the mechanism of prayer as a tool to address them Depression, dark night of the soul and the purpose of it Metaphor of Jesus dying and how death is not the end of the story God, Christ and Holy Spirit experiences Importance of scielence Difference between contemplative life and activism? Calling, destiny, providence and the weaving together Abuse of power in the context of religion and the chronic loneliness of the human condition Lorraine's books You can find out more about Lorraine's work at https://www.lorrainecavanagh.net/ Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal

Mark Togni is a Zen monk, advanced Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga practitioner and teacher. In this geeky interview Mark shared with us his insights on intersection of great amount of different practices and traditions. Differences in effects of Vipassana, Zen and Yogic chakra and Kundalini raising meditation techniques. Interdependent co-arising in Zen, self-inquiry approach of Advaita Vedanta and Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra philosophy. Breathing waves, bandhas and energetic patterns of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga’s sequences. These are just a few things we discuss in this over an hour long interview with Mark Togni. What makes this conversation so valuable is that his statements are based not on the book knowledge, but are coming from his first hand experience with different spiritual practices. Listen in! Show notes Journey to India and meeting his teacher Sri H.W.L. Poonja (Poonjaj, Papaji) Thoughts on the selecting the Guru and how to reconcile different philosophical views of Yoga and Buddhism – interdependent co-arising, self-inquiry 10 Great Precepts and how does a Zen Monk end up practicing 4th Series of Ashtanga Unified mind, passive and active Samadhis and asana practice Intersection of 8 Limbs of Patanjali and Zen Difference in effects of Vipassana, Zen and Yogic Chakra / Kundalini raising meditation techniques Thoughts on selecting a Guru Reconciling Zen’s interdependent co-arising, Advaita’s self-inquiry and Patanjali’s philosophy Unraveling Samskaras through practice and Gestalt therapy Ida and Pingala, and thought son effects of meditation before and after asana practice Breathing waves and bandhas as form of response to the heaven and earth connection Effects of different Ashtanga sequences, energetic patterns and reasoning Finding a balance between Asana, Pranayama and Meditation Combining practices from different spiritual traditions Mark’s thoughts on Yoga and spiritual landscape of today Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal

Nicky Knoff has an incredible life story and a yoga journey that stretches over more than 50 years. Being 82 at the time when we recorded this interview, she is vibrant, full of life and excited about teaching yoga to her students. Nicky shares the story of her life with us – from growing up in a prisoner’s camp in Indonesia, discovering yoga and meeting many inspirational teachers to her philosophy and approach to teaching that aims to integrate higher limbs of yoga in a holistic and balanced practice. Show notes Be here now – Nicky’s childhood memories of prisoner’s camp in Indonesia Discovering yoga by observing its fruits in a close friend Bikram Choudhury, BKS Iyengar, Desikachar and S. N. Goenka Why students are discouraged from doing yoga during Goenka retreats?a How Vipassana and Yoga help us confront the same issues in a synergistic way Nicky’s Pranayama practice Pranayama as integral part of asana practice and how Ujayi can help during labor Ashtanga sequencing and lack of attention to Pranayama in traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa way of teaching What is to consider when designing your own asana and pranayama routine Difference in breathing patterns and their effects as taught by Desikachar, BKS Iyengar and Pathabi Jois Teaching main objective to focus on when teaching people with PTSD Nicky’s approach to integration of higher limbs in her teaching to offer balanced yoga practice You can learn more about Nicky’s teaching and access many valuable materials at https://www.knoffyoga.com/ Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal   

In this episode we interview Matthew Sweeney, a long-term yoga practitioner and teacher. Matthew’s path of self-inquiry is a remarkable journey through different systems and approaches, from Martial Arts and Zen Shiatsu to Iyengar Yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. A long-term absorption in yogic practices together with open-mindedness an interest in Meditation, Tantra, Gestalt Therapy, Transpersonal Therapy, Transforming Cellular Memory, Buddhism and Advaita Vedanta helped him to crystallise his understanding and develop his own authentic and honest approach to teaching. He has written several books and created DVD teaching programs, as well as many great reflections in form or free articles. He is currently based in Ubud, Bali, where he teaches courses in his beautiful shala – Vinyasa Krama Mandiram. In this interview with Matthew Sweeney we go in-depth on a great variety of topics and get really geeky.  Show notes Relationship between Moon Sequence & Ashtanga Primary Series. Background & Purpose. Impact of different asana practices on the state of mind – tamasic, rajastic, sattvic? Different angles to look at Vinyasa Krama Sequences of Ashtanga Yoga   Yamas and Niyamas Matthew’s take on 8 limbs of Patanjali Focusing on Stambha within Pranayama and Meditation Dharana, Dhyana and attachment to the practice Pratyahara and misunderstandings around it Self-enquiry and Advaita Vedanta Potential of higher limbs and limitations of the system Benefits of combining different observer consciousness practices Spirituality and technique Want to support the show? Thank you! Support us via PayPal