A Woman’s Gita: Bhagavad Gita by and for Western Women

Send us a textIn this episode of A Woman’s Gita Podcast, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi dive deep into Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring verses 3.15–3.16 on selfless action, universal consciousness (Brahman), and the great “wheel” of reciprocity that sustains life.Drawing from the Gita, the Upanishads, and lived experience as women, teachers, and long-time practitioners, they unpack how karma yoga calls us to serve others without attachment to personal gain—while also honoring the very real need for boundaries, rest, and self-care, especially for women who are often conditioned to over-give.Through stories, scriptural insight, and practical reflections, this conversation invites listeners to reimagine service not as self-erasure, but as a path to a lighter heart, deeper connection, and a more sustainable way of living in the world.In this episode, we explore:The meaning of karma yoga and why “every selfless act is born from Brahman”Verse 3.16’s image of the “wheel” (chakra) and how all of life turns through reciprocityHow universal consciousness expresses itself through everyday acts of serviceThe danger of indulging the senses and living “in vain” by ignoring the needs of othersThe metaphor of weighing the heart against a feather and what makes a heart “light”Why every spiritual tradition emphasizes service as a way to purify the heartThe tension between American individualism (“greed is good,” “look out for number one”) and the Gita’s call to selfless actionThe connection between happiness, attachment, and constant wanting (“25% more”)How art, music, and ritual keep the heart open in a culture that overvalues the mindThe role of daily practices (like meditation, lighting a candle, morning/evening reflection) as modern equivalents of Vedic fire ritualsThe risk of burnout and over-giving, especially for women, mothers, and caregiversWhy true service must be paired with self-care and healthy boundariesThe Sufi teaching: “Never give from the depth of your well, only from the overflow”How the four āśramas (life stages) point to a natural shift toward more practice in later lifeWhy it’s so helpful to begin spiritual practice early—not just in the “winter” of lifeTune in for a heartfelt, grounded exploration of what it really means to participate in the wheel of life with an open heart—offering, receiving, and learning to care for yourself as tenderly as you care for others.

Send us a textIn this episode of A Women’s Gita Podcast, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi continue their exploration of Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita, turning toward the deep—and often misunderstood—concepts of yajna (sacrifice) and tapas (austerity, inner fire).Drawing from traditional Gita verses, Vedic creation myths, and lived experiences as women, they unpack how sacrifice has been framed, who has been centered in those stories, and what it means to reclaim these teachings in a way that honors women, the Earth, and the interconnected web of life.This conversation weaves together scripture, myth, feminist critique, and practical spirituality, inviting listeners to see their daily practice as an inner ritual fire that supports both personal transformation and the welfare of the world.Key topics covered:What yajna really means beyond “giving something up”The Vedic worldview of interdependence: gods, humans, nature, and the “wish-fulfilling cow”The Purusha Sukta and creation as an original cosmic sacrificeContrast between Vedic creation myths and the Genesis story (dominion vs. interconnection)How religious worldviews shape attitudes toward women and natureWomen’s lived experience of sacrifice: childbirth, caregiving, and erasure from sacred narrativesThe role of rain, food, and ritual in sustaining life and cosmic balanceUnderstanding tapas as daily, embodied practice—not extreme self-denialThe Gayatri mantra and Bargo as the purifying inner flameRe-reading the Gita to include women’s voices without changing its core teachings

Send us a textStep beyond traditional boundaries in "Beyond Patriarchy: Reclaiming the Feminine in Sacred Texts." In this special episode, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi celebrate a year of groundbreaking dialogue by exploring how women’s voices have historically been sidelined in spiritual traditions—and how they are reclaiming their rightful place today. Drawing on the legacy of the Seneca Falls Convention and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and examining the Bhagavad Gita through a contemporary, inclusive lens, the hosts dive deep into how reclaiming the feminine transforms both faith and society.Key topics covered:The historic Seneca Falls Convention and its relevance to modern women’s rightsThe influence of the Declaration of Sentiments and the Woman's BibleThe impact of patriarchy in both Western and Eastern religious traditionsHow religious texts have reinforced and now challenge women’s subjugationThe importance of gender-neutral, inclusive interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita and other scripturesCelebrating Chapter 9, Sloka 32 of the Gita as a verse of empowerment and equalityThe role of spirituality versus institutional religion in fostering freedom and equalityPersonal stories of empowerment, sisterhood, and advocacy in the yoga and spiritual communities

Send us a textJoin hosts Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi as they take a deep dive into the heart of Karma Yoga through the lens of Loka Sangraha—the Vedic ideal of acting for the highest good of all. Drawing on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, personal experiences, and practical wisdom, this episode explores how selfless service can be woven into our daily actions, attitudes, and communities. Whether through small gestures, community aid, or deep reflection, learn how living for the collective benefit uplifts us all.Key topics covered:The meaning and significance of Loka Sangraha in the context of Karma YogaActing without attachment: Bringing benefit to all and harm to noneReciprocity and interconnectedness: How individual actions ripple through the communityPractical ways to practice selfless service in everyday situationsOvercoming unconscious bias and cultivating humilityWomen’s unique challenges and contributions to serviceThe spiritual power of small acts of kindnessStories and lessons from real-life mutual aid experiences

Send us a textJoin hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose as they explore the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, focusing on Karma Yoga and the importance of transcending unconscious bias in our actions. This episode delves into how meditation and self-inquiry can help us recognize hidden motives and embrace the path of selfless service. Through insightful discussion and real-life examples, discover how to transform daily actions into offerings that promote both personal growth and the welfare of society.Key topics covered:Understanding Karma Yoga and its relevance in the modern worldThe role of unconscious bias in shaping our actions and perceptionsHow meditation aids in self-awareness and transcending prejudiceAligning thought, word, and deed for genuine selfless actionPractical steps for mindful giving and serving others without attachmentThe balance between engaging with the world and maintaining inner clarityStories and examples illustrating self-inquiry and service in daily life

Send us a textJoin hosts Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi as they explore Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita through a feminine lens. In this episode, they delve into the often-overlooked themes of devotion, the ethic of care, and the unique wisdom women bring to spiritual practice. Through personal stories and thoughtful analysis, Kamala and Nischala reframe traditional interpretations of karma yoga, highlighting the importance of heart, compassion, and purposeful action in both ancient and modern contexts.Key topics covered:The distinction between the paths of knowledge (jnana yoga) and action (karma yoga)The missing element of devotion (bhakti) in traditional interpretationsThe ethic of care versus the ethic of justice in women’s livesThe role of women as nurturers and spiritual teachersUnderstanding Samadhi (perfection) in everyday lifeThe interplay between spirit and nature, and honoring bothThe importance of non-attachment without losing compassionAhimsa (non-harm) as a foundational principle for actionReimagining karma yoga for modern women and communitiesTune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation that brings new depth to the timeless teachings of the Gita.

Send us a textIn this episode, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi dive into the profound dilemmas faced by Arjuna at the start of Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita. Together, they explore how the ancient text’s teachings on knowledge, action, and devotion remain deeply relevant to our modern lives. Through personal stories, historical parallels, and spiritual insights, the hosts examine how we can reconcile the wisdom of philosophy with the realities of conflict—both on the battlefield and in everyday life.Key topics covered:Arjuna’s crisis: The struggle between knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and action (Karma Yoga)The importance of devotion (Bhakti) and compassion in spiritual practiceThe concept of the higher good (Shreya) versus personal gratification (Preya)Parallels between ancient battles and modern-day moral dilemmasThe impact of war on women and the role of rebuilding after conflictTrusting teachers and the process of spiritual growthReflections on historical wars and their influence on spiritual movementsThe enduring relevance of the Gita’s teachings in contemporary societyJoin us as we unpack the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and consider what it means to serve a higher good in today’s world.

Send us a textDive deep into the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita with Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi as they explore the hidden truths of personal dharma. This transformative podcast unravels the complex layers of spiritual calling, individual purpose, and conscious action through a unique women's perspective.Key Topics:The interconnection of karma and dharmaDiscovering one's authentic life pathBreaking free from patriarchal limitationsSpiritual growth and personal transformationConscious decision-making and intentional livingThe role of meditation in understanding personal purposeBalancing individual needs with collective responsibilityJoin these experienced yoginis as they decode ancient wisdom, sharing personal insights and practical guidance for navigating life's most challenging choices. Whether you're seeking spiritual understanding or practical life direction, "The Cave of the Heart" offers a compassionate, enlightening journey into self-discovery.

Send us a textJoin Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi as they dive deep into the profound teachings of Karma Yoga from the Bhagavad Gita. In this enlightening podcast, these experienced yoga practitioners unravel the mysteries of karma, offering practical insights into:The true nature of karma beyond Western interpretationsHow spiritual practices can transform personal and collective energyThe role of meditation in understanding our deeper motivationsOvercoming fear and expanding consciousnessThe interconnectedness of individual actions and universal experienceDrawing from decades of study and personal practice, Rose and Devi provide a compassionate, feminine perspective on spiritual growth. Learn how small, mindful actions can create ripple effects of positive change, and discover how you can use yoga and meditation to evolve your understanding of karma.Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or new to spiritual exploration, this podcast offers transformative wisdom for navigating life's challenges with grace and intention.

Send us a textJoin Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose as they mark their podcast's first anniversary by exploring the transformative power of feminine spiritual wisdom. In this special episode, they reflect on the groundbreaking Seneca Falls Convention, challenge traditional religious narratives, and reinterpret the Bhagavad Gita through a lens of equality and empowerment.Key Topics:The historic significance of the Seneca Falls ConventionWomen's rights and spiritual interpretationChallenging patriarchal religious narrativesThe importance of women's voices in spiritual discourseExploring gender equality in ancient spiritual textsThe power of sisterhood and collective empowermentDrawing from their deep yoga traditions and personal experiences, these two remarkable women offer a compelling conversation that bridges historical struggle with contemporary spiritual understanding. Whether you're a yoga practitioner, spiritual seeker, or advocate for women's rights, this episode promises insight, inspiration, and a powerful reminder of women's inherent spiritual strength.