Banyen Books ~ Branches of Wisdom

With poetic language, inter-spiritual teacher, author, mother and lover of the Beloved, Mirabai Starr takes listeners on a journey invoking the awe of the feminine. Calling on women mystics of all traditions and Lineages, Mirabai weaves a tapestry of stories that have relevant lessons for our modern, broken world. This is a tender interview with a fierce message to rise up, love more, and give ourselves completely to the Beloved.

In this episode of Banyen Books & Sound's In Conversation, spiritual teacher and author Gangaji speaks about coming home to our inner freedom, a state that transcends emotions and suffering and is not subject to loss or gain. This requires a willingness to have no future and no past and to recognize what’s here. Gangaji eloquently speaks about how to overcome the trance of suffering, the illusion of thought and find immediate and lasting fulfillment of our Divine birthright.

Sanskrit scholar, founder of Vijnana Yoga International, and respected Yoga teacher Orit Sen-Gupta speaks about stillness and spaciousness and the practice of movement and sitting that bring us closer to the experience of the sacred.

Steven Halpern, Grammy-award nominee and pioneer in the field of sound healing, discusses his career in using sound to facilitate higher states of consciousness. Steven speaks about noise pollution, brain entrainment, and the power of intention in creating music. This fascinating podcast weaves together the fields of science, spirit, and sound.

Archariya Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat, co-founders of the Clear Sky Retreat Center and authors of Wasteland to Pureland, speak about spiritual awakening as the only sustainable mindset in a universe that appears chaotic and for a planet that is in crisis. Offering practical tips gained from their experience in setting up a Retreat Center, Doug Sensei and Catherine offer insights from the path of karma yoga and the wisdom that comes from integrating spiritual life with the realities of modern-day living. This is a delightful inteview about shedding limitations of the spiritual life and continuously cultivating wholesome mindstates that contribute to harmony and happiness for all beings on this planet.

John Lockley, renowned sangoma/South African Shaman, speaks with Farah Nazarali in this Banyen interview. John Lockley is a fully initiated traditional sangoma in the Xhosa tribe of South Africa – the same tribe as Nelson Mandala and Desmond Tutu. He uniquely bridges African spirituality with Zen and Western Psychology. Leopard Warrior, his bestselling new book, is published by Sounds True, with a forward by Elder Malidoma Somé.

“Through kindness we experience our kinship with one another.” Mark Nepo, best-selling author, beloved poet and spiritual teacher, speaks about the power of community and relationships as ways to manifest the in-dwelling presence of spirit and re-claim our wholeness. The answer is simple- kindness; it is through kindness, that we experience our kinship with one another. In an age of cruelty where our material ambitions supersede our concern for others, Nepo’s wisdom and stories of togetherness are an antidote to a pervasive culture of fear and mistrust.

Author, Ayurvedic physician and professor and Director of the Ayurvedic Institute, Dr. Vasant Lad offers simple, practical tools in combating anxiety and depression. Dr. Lad also speaks about the effect of digital technology on the pineal gland and the importance of spending time in Nature. Finally, Dr. Lad connects listeners with the sacred through breathing and the mantra of breathing inviting us all to enter the gap between inhale and exhale and enter the doorway into the eternal. Join Vaidya Vasant Lad live in Vancouver, BC, at the Share Ayurvedic Conference, May 18, 19, and 20th! Event details here: goo.gl/pQ4eED

Scientist, author, and international speaker, Bruce Lipton passionately talks about how human survival on planet Earth depends on understanding our essential nature as creators. This thought-provoking interview links climate change and turmoil in the ecosystem with subconscious beliefs that perpetuate victimhood, conflict, and deny our power as creators. Uprooting these beliefs and bringing consciousness into our thoughts and behaviours hold the promise that we can survive the six mass extinction and create heaven on Earth. Join Bruce Lipton live at the Science & Spirituality Conference June 14-19 on Vancouver Island, BC. Dr. Lipton will be sharing the stage with Gregg Braden, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Lynne McTaggart, and Lee Carroll. Event info: http://www.shalohaproductions.com/science-spirituality-conference/

Deva Premal, world-renowned musician, speaks movingly about her life sharing mantra and music. Deva Premal & Miten with Manose will perform live at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts, Saturday, May 19. Tickets & info: goo.gl/DcFxd5