

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

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.

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Sep 1, 2024 • 52min
Why the War? A Deep Dive into the Bhagavad Gita within the Mahabharata
Explore the rich tapestry of the Mahabharata and the moral dilemmas within the Bhagavad Gita. Uncover the reasons behind the epic war and the complex roles of warriors and caste duties. Discover alternative, non-violent strategies through fascinating case studies. Delve into the power of language in conveying deep ethical questions. Be enchanted by the myth of Mohini-murti and the challenges of navigating societal expectations. Reflect on the inner battles we all face on our journeys towards self-acceptance.

Aug 18, 2024 • 55min
Discovering the Feminine Perspective: Insights from Ancient Wisdom
Send us a textJoin us on a journey through the timeless teachings of the Yoga Sutras, as we explore the profound connection between Spirit and Nature. In this episode, we delve into:What is a Feminine Perspective?: Understand the unique insights and interpretations that a feminine lens brings to ancient texts.Translating from Sanskrit: Uncover the nuances and challenges of translating sacred Sanskrit verses into modern language.Nischala Devi’s Interpretation of Yoga Sutra 1.2: Explore Nischala's captivating translation and its deeper meanings.The Interplay of Spirit and Nature: Dive into the symbiotic relationship between Spirit and Nature, and how they coexist harmoniously.Verse 4.24: Brahman is the Offering: Reflect on the profound significance of this verse and its implications for our spiritual journey.Tune in to deepen your understanding, embrace a new perspective, and enrich your spiritual practice. This episode promises to be an enlightening exploration of ancient wisdom through a fresh, feminine lens.

Aug 5, 2024 • 56min
Unveiling the Bhagavad Gita: History, Context, and Legends
Explore the fascinating origins and significance of the Bhagavad Gita, a key scripture within the Mahabharata. Discover the historical backdrop of the Kurukshetra War and the timeless wisdom exchanged between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. Dive into the life of Vyasa, the sage who preserved this profound text for posterity. Unpack moral complexities, the role of women, and the tension between war and welfare as you gain insights into spirituality from unexpected sources. This journey blends history, mythology, and philosophy.

Jul 20, 2024 • 55min
The intersection of the women’s movement and the rise of Yoga in the West
Send us a textJoin us as we delve into the inspiring journeys of Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose, exploring how their lives intertwine with the rise of Yoga in the West and the feminist movement. Discover the rich history of how these powerful women have merged spiritual practice with activism, advocating for social change and women's empowerment. Through personal stories and profound insights, this episode highlights the transformative power of Yoga as a tool for spiritual activism and community building. Get ready to be enlightened and inspired by the incredible impact of these trailblazing women.


