Banyen Books ~ Branches of Wisdom

Banyen Books & Sound presents IN CONVERSATION with host Ross McKeachie speaking to Toltec shaman and New York Times best selling author of The Fifth Agreement, don Jose Ruiz. Don Jose speaks in his unique, heart-centred story-telling style and shines a light on the energy of fear and how, through gratitude we can move into love. He points towards the connection between all of the world's spiritual traditions and also the connection between Paramahamsa Yogananda and the Toltec tradition. In an inspiring and poetic way, don Jose captures our attention, showing us how to awaken to the fact that we are dreaming and that we can become the masters of our own dream, changing our lives for the better. Don Jose has just published his latest book, The Medicine Bag: Shamanic Rituals & Ceremonies for Personal Transformation. Available for purchase online at www.banyen.com.

Dr. Martin Shaw, one of the great master storytellers of our time, discusses the mythology and meanings of our current cultural moment and the global coronavirus pandemic. Interview host Ross McKeachie got ahold of Dr. Martin Shaw in his cottage in Dartmoor, UK, where he was on the 10th day of 14 days of isolation before being able to go home and see his daughter. With the COVID-19 pandemic at the top of everyone's mind and Dr. Shaw, fresh off of a 101 day ritual in the forest and now taking time to reflect, they tap into a state of wonder around the current mythology unfolding in the world. Questions are explored, such as: How do we sit with our discomfort and use this potent time for our own and the planet's transformation? With humour and word-weaving, Dr. Martin Shaw illuminates why mythology, story, connection with nature and self are all more important now than ever before. Dr. Shaw's new book, Courting the Wild Twin, is available at www.banyen.com.

Sufi teacher and author Jamal Rahman speaks joyfully about the Sufi path of the heart and the importance of laughter in awakening the soul. This delightful podcast brings levity into spiritual teachings and brings insight into the cosmic joke of duality.

Caroline Myss speaks about a profound crisis facing humanity: the crisis of faith and the loss of connection to the Divine. Myss articulates what it means to be on a spiritual path, the importance of understanding our connection to the whole, and the deeply personal and impersonal aspect of God. Invoking prayer, inner guidance, and grace, Myss offers hope for restoring the connection to our sacred self.

Loch Kelly, spiritual teacher, author, and founder of Open-Hearted Awareness Institute, shares a radically different and simple approach to meditation- effortless mindfulness. Rooted in spacious awareness and connection to the heart, Loch offers glimpses into a state of being accessible to all and available in every moment. Students of meditation from beginners to long-time practitioners can tune in for a taste of something radically different and profoundly simple.

In this poignant and moving interview, Carina Stone, the wife of Michael Stone, an internationally recognized Buddhist teacher whose life ended tragically and suddenly, speaks about Michael's latest book and the legacy of his life and teachings. She is joined by Erin Robinsong, editor of Michael's book- The World Comes to You. This is a tender interview about life, loss, spiritual practice, impermanence, and the enduring quality of love.

In June 2011, Abbott of a monastery in India, Mingyur Rinpoche, left his esteemed post and spent four and a half years in a wandering Retreat. Living without money, clothing (other than the dhoti cloth on his body) or material comforts, he tested the boundaries of his meditation practice and found a freedom and happiness not bound by external conditions and comforts. In this illuminating interview, Rinpoche speaks about his near-death experience and the importance of dying every day in order to embrace the impermanence of life and experience the luminosity of pure awareness.

Swami Lalitananda, president of the Yasodhara Ashram, speaks about Divine Light and the re-building of the Temple of Light; a metaphor for the forces of destruction and creation and a testament to the possibility of creating opportunity and possibility in the moment of loss.

Buddhist wisdom and cognitive science teach that we create the world with our thoughts. This inspiring podcast with beloved Buddhist teacher, poet, and author Norman Fisher is all about using the imagination to create a different world and reality that allows us to honor the truest part of our human existence- that we are here to love and serve others in all ways and for all time.

Banyen's new interview with Deva Premal & Miten: A testament to the healing power of prayer and community, Miten speaks about his recovery from open heart surgery and the insights from having a second chance to live, love, and sing. Deva Premal and Miten speak about their life together touring the world on the wings of sacred music and the blessings it brings to them and to all those to gather and sing together.