

A Woman’s Gita: Bhagavad Gita by and for Western Women
Nischala Joy Devi & Kamala Rose
A Woman’s Gita: Bhagavad Gita by and for Western Women is a new podcast discussing Bhagavad-Gita, the timeless classic of Eastern Wisdom reinterpreted from the perspective of two Western female teachers who are both former monastics, Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose, who have dedicated their lives to the Yoga Tradition. At a time when women’s voices are finally emerging, a feminine perspective of the wartime treatise could not be more timely. Each episode will explore the main teachings in the Bhagavad Gita from a female perspective and describe the process of bringing the Gita to a wider audience.--- Nischala Joy Devi ---Nischala Joy Devi is a masterful teacher, author, and healer. She spent 25 years as a monastic in the Vedic tradition, learning all aspects of Yoga from great masters worldwide. Her teaching reflects her love of Yoga and scripture, highlighting the Bhagavad Gita, considered one of the quintessential scriptures of Yoga. The Gita, previously deemed unrelatable to Western women, has inspired Devi to adapt the teaching by infusing content and commentary with feminine-based insights and parables. Now the Bhagavad Gita, like most of her teachings, reflects a heart-centered perspective of spirituality in scripture.--- More at abundantwellbeing.com--- Kamala Rose ---Kamala Rose brings over 30 years of contemplative training, a background in Sanskrit, and a lifelong immersion in the Bhagavad Gita. She studied with traditional teachers like Srivatsa Ramaswami, several academic institutions, explored interpretive lineages through the Theosophical Society, and was shaped by a father who studied the Upanishads and a mother who nurtured her feminist and academic orientation from an early age. She has dedicated her life to preserving yoga’s wisdom tradition by making it more accessible to yoga teachers.--- More at KamalaRoseYoga.org
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 2, 2025 • 44min
Beyond Self-Interest: The Path of Buddhi Yoga
Discover how Krishna redefines yoga as a path to wisdom and interconnectedness. The hosts explore Buddhi Yoga, merging spiritual insights with daily actions. They tackle myths about ego in spirituality and emphasize meditation's role in cultivating compassion. Learn practical ways to integrate spiritual practices into everyday life, balancing material and spiritual existence. Personal anecdotes and scriptural insights provide guidance on breaking karmic bonds and fostering a sense of community. Embrace self-discovery for a more purposeful life!

Feb 16, 2025 • 55min
The Kshatriya Warrior's Dharma: Balancing Justice and Compassion
Dive into the transformative teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as hosts explore the elusive nature of selfhood and the role of deep meditation. They tackle the complexities of Kshatriya dharma, expanding its definition to include modern-day protectors and caregivers. The discussion on ethical dilemmas of justice versus compassion reveals a fresh perspective on women's roles in society. Redefining motherhood as a collective nurturing force, they inspire listeners to embrace their responsibility in fostering a more compassionate world.

Feb 2, 2025 • 47min
Reincarnation and the Art of Letting Go: A Feminine Exploration
Join Nischala and Kamala as they uncover the chariot metaphor, linking self-discovery to the chaos of modern life. They explore the concept of the eternal self, emphasizing the importance of meditation and personal experiences. Delve into the transformative power of consciousness and the impact of patriarchy on women's spirituality. Discover how empowerment and self-realization can lead to liberation from suffering, all through the ancient wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita interpreted for today's women.

Jan 19, 2025 • 49min
Balancing Pleasure and Pain: Insights from Chapter 2 of the Gita
Send us a textIn this episode, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi continue their deep dive into Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring some of the most profound and transformative verses in this foundational chapter.Key topics covered in this episode include:The importance of maintaining balance and equanimity in the face of pleasure and pain, as discussed in verse 215The nature of the self (Atman) as eternal, unchanging, and distinct from the temporary physical body, as elucidated in verses 16-18The mystical insights of the Upanishads and how they are woven into the Gita's teachings on the true nature of the selfThe role of yoga practice in cultivating the witness-consciousness that allows us to transcend the dualities of the material worldPractical examples and personal anecdotes that illuminate the Gita's teachings on death, rebirth, and the immortality of the soulThe importance of studying the lives and realizations of realized sages and saints, such as Ramana Maharshi, to deepen our understanding of the Gita's wisdomThroughout the discussion, Kamala and Nischala offer their unique perspectives as experienced yoga teachers, drawing upon their decades of practice and study to shed light on the profound and transformative teachings of this timeless text.Whether you are new to the Gita or a seasoned student, this episode promises to deepen your understanding of the nature of the self and the path of yoga as a means of transcending the suffering inherent in the human condition.

Dec 29, 2024 • 50min
The Chariot of the Self: Unpacking the Metaphor at the Heart of the Bhagavad Gita
Dive into the fascinating exploration of the chariot metaphor in the Bhagavad Gita. Discover how it symbolizes the balance between the body, senses, and true self. The conversation navigates the transient nature of pleasure and pain, encouraging patience in life's ups and downs. Gain valuable insights on self-awareness and managing sensory experiences through yoga practices. Learn about the transformative power of sacred spaces and how they can enhance personal growth and tranquility. It's a journey towards mastering one's senses and achieving inner peace!

Dec 8, 2024 • 45min
Transcending Grief: Exploring the Eternal Self in the Bhagavad Gita
Discover how Arjuna's grief sets the stage for profound teachings in the Bhagavad Gita. Explore the symbolism of the banyan tree and the importance of silence in overcoming emotional turmoil. Unpack the cyclical nature of life and death while reflecting on personal experiences with grief. Learn about the essence of self that transcends the physical body and the importance of yoga and meditation in this journey. This enlightening discussion offers a unique feminine perspective on eternal wisdom and navigating life's challenges.

Nov 17, 2024 • 42min
Beyond Shaming: Reframing the Warrior's Dharma with Compassion in the Bhagavad Gita
Send us a textIn this episode of A Woman's Gita, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose dive into the opening verses of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. As the dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and his charioteer Krishna unfolds, we witness Arjuna's profound crisis of conscience. Overwhelmed by despair and confusion, Arjuna expresses his unwillingness to fight against his own kinsmen. The hosts explore how Krishna's initial harsh words of shaming and verbal beration towards Arjuna may not resonate with modern spiritual seekers. Instead, Nischala and Kamala reframe Krishna's teachings through a lens of compassion, seeking to understand Arjuna's deep-seated conflict between his duty as a warrior and his heart's aversion to violence.The discussion also touches on the crucial role of the teacher, or guru, in the spiritual journey. The hosts share insights on discernment - what qualities to look for in a qualified teacher, and the importance of aligning one's state of mind and readiness with the guidance being offered.Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to contemplate the universal themes of dharma, the gunas, and the complexities of the human experience as revealed in this timeless yogic text.

Oct 27, 2024 • 54min
The Paradox of Violence and Yoga: Reconciling Ahimsa in the Bhagavad Gita
Explore the deep moral dilemmas faced by Arjuna during the Mahabharata war as he struggles with duty versus compassion. The discussion delves into the transformative power of despair and its relevance for modern spiritual seekers. Understand how the Bhagavad Gita navigates complex themes of violence, non-violence, and personal responsibility. Highlights include the resilience of women in conflict situations and the potential for healing through yoga. Discover how internal conflicts from fear and trauma can lead to profound personal growth.

Oct 6, 2024 • 47min
Humility, Consequences, and the Feminine Lens: Insights into the Gita's Introductory Verses
Send us a textIn this thought-provoking episode of A Women's Gita, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose explore the profound opening chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, examining the intricate relationships between war, spirituality, and the feminine perspective.Main topics in this episode:The challenge of reconciling the Gita's wartime setting with its spiritual teachingsThe "fight or flight" response that listeners may experience when confronting the Gita's themesArjuna's personal crisis on the battlefield and its impact on his worldviewThe exploration of personal and existential fear, including Arjuna's "Dark Night of the Soul"Parallels between Arjuna's struggles and modern-day readers' inner conflictsThe significance of cultivating compassion for oneself and those affected by conflictA fresh, feminine interpretation of the Gita's opening versesAn invitation to approach the Gita with openness to its complexities and wisdom

Sep 15, 2024 • 58min
Discovering the Divine Within: Personal Journeys with the Gita's Teachings
Hosts explore the dual nature of Krishna, contrasting his playful persona with his role as a stern warrior on the battlefield. Personal stories illuminate their spiritual journeys, highlighting the Gita's inclusive message of devotion and service. They discuss the evolution of Krishna's character and modern relevance, emphasizing a feminine perspective on worship. Unique approaches to spirituality through service showcase the connection between ancient wisdom and contemporary healing practices. The conversation reveals how these teachings can be made accessible to all.