Integral Yoga Podcast

In this episode, Tara Eschenroeder delves into the concept of "rewilding" as a return to our natural, instinctual state of being. She defines rewilding as reconnecting with the innate wisdom within us, much like how trees grow or fireflies communicate effortlessly. Tara shares her practices for rediscovering this inner compass, including journaling, movement, discussion, and time in nature, all aimed at peeling back layers of societal conditioning and distraction. She emphasizes the role of childlike play and curiosity as pathways to reconnect with our wild, intuitive selves, drawing inspiration from the way children approach life with imagination and openness.The episode also explores the importance of acknowledging and transforming inherited generational patterns, finding balance between disciplined practices and devotion to one’s higher self, and embracing community as a space for authentic connection and growth. Tara’s insights inspire listeners to embrace curiosity, rediscover their wildness, and live with greater authenticity and joy.--Tara (Becky) Eschenroeder is a 500-hour E-RYT, RCYT, YACEP, certified coach, self-published author, and an inspiring yogi recognized among the top three yoga instructors by Richmond Magazine. Rooted in Asheville, NC, Tara leads workshops, retreats, and classes nationwide, empowering students to listen within and trust their unique paths. With credentials in Psychology, Elementary Education, and coaching, her approach blends studied expertise with intuitive guidance, offering a space for exploration, self-discovery, and authentic expression. A Lululemon Ambassador and advocate for yoga's transformative power, Tara’s teaching, mentoring, and life reflect her Dharma as a vessel of love, trust, and inspiration.Website: http://greatabidingyoga.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becky.eschenroeder and https://www.facebook.com/greatabidingyoga/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatabidingyoga/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3Ad7lwBuG1GcQZqae7XDUAInsight Timer: https://insig.ht/hKogenxtanbSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3T2AROCSEIe3hktXqDPqOpNewsletter signup: https://greatabidingyoga.com/contact#subst

In this episode Līlā Śakti Mayī, and Avi dive into the profound connection between humility, self-care, and the power of Sanskrit. The discussion focuses on how language can embody intention and emotion, highlighting that every language carries sacredness. They emphasize that true humility is about recognizing one's inherent value without harsh self-criticism or rigid expectations. This self-awareness cultivates compassion, allowing us to acknowledge our emotional pain while embracing our needs. Ultimately, the episode illustrates that genuine self-care stems from empathy toward ourselves, empowering us to better support others and create enriching connections with the world around us.--Līlā Śakti Mayī received her B.A. and M.A. in Sanskrit from the University of Virginia. She has studied the mechanics of the Sanskrit language alongside sacred Sanskrit literature for a decade. Her scriptural focus has largely revolved around the Bhagavad Gītā, and she recently contributed heavily to a new publication entitled Bhagavad Gītā Concordance: A Comprehensive Word Reference with English and Sanskrit Indexes by Dr. Graham Schweig (Columbia University Press, 2024). She is currently working on a similar reference work for the Yoga Sūtras. For the past several years, she has also studied nonviolent communication through NYCNVC. Līlā Śakti Mayī teaches the Sanskrit language and courses in Sanskrit scripture, but her greatest joy is bridging this ancient wisdom with the modern theory and practice of nonviolent communication. In her teaching, she illuminates the powerful harmony between the two, inspiring and empowering others towards deeper self-connection grounded in the heart.

In this insightful episode, Swami Karunananda reflects on her extraordinary life journey, beginning with her childhood in Brooklyn where she demonstrated remarkable early abilities, such as speaking at six months old and reading at three. She shares a pivotal moment from her sixth grade when she asked herself what she wanted to do with her life, deciding then to help others relieve their suffering. Her path led her from a focus on academics and science to an unexpected spiritual awakening through yoga and philosophy, inspired by the presence of her guru. Through personal stories, Swami Karunananda discusses the importance of service, the interconnectedness of all beings, and the profound power of following one's inner guidance to make a meaningful contribution to the world.--Swami Karunananda has had 50 years’ experience teaching all aspects of Yoga. She designed and conducts teacher training programs in Raja Yoga and in Meditation. She served as president of Satchidananda Ashram in California and in Virginia, and as director of the San Francisco and Santa Barbara Integral Yoga Institutes. She compiled and edited The Lotus Prayer Book and Enlightening Tales as told by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Her book, Awakening: Aspiration to Realization through Integral Yoga, makes the Yoga teachings accessible and provides inspiration and guidance for the spiritual journey.

In this podcast episode, Carroll Ann Friedmann shares the story behind her book "Practicing the Yoga Sutras," which stemmed from a decade-long journey of chanting and studying the sutras. Friedmann recounts her initial inspiration in India, where she was taught the art of chanting. This practice continued back home in Charlottesville, where she formed a dedicated chanting group with her students. Through regular discussions and deep exploration of the sutras, Friedmann began documenting her insights, writing consistently each morning for several years. The conversation highlights the organic development of her book, the discipline required for such a long-term project, and the profound impact of yoga on personal growth and community building.--Carroll Ann (Prashanti) Friedmann, BA, MDiv, E-RYT500, was educated at Vanderbilt University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and the University of Virginia. From 2007–2012, she received Yoga training at the Integral Yoga Academy at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville (Buckingham, Virginia). From 2013–present she has studied at the K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute with Saraswathi Jois and the Anantha Research Foundation with Dr. M. A. Jayashree and Sri M. A. Narasimhan in Mysore, Karnataka, India.She currently studies and practices Yoga under the guidance of Richard Freeman, MaryTaylor, Ty Landrum, and other classical teachers. She and her husband, Liam Buckley, are devotees of Sri Swami Satchidananda. They have four adult children and live in Charlottesville, Virginia, where they own and direct Ashtanga Yoga Charlottesville and the Ivy Yoga School. They teach asana, pranayama, meditation, chanting, philosophy, and hold an annual Yoga teacher training.To find out more and order a copy of "Practicing the Yoga Sutras," you can visit Carroll's website: practicingtheyogasutras.com

The discussion centers on the concept of Dharma, or life purpose, and explores how individuals can discover and align with their true calling. The conversation delves into the importance of listening to the heart rather than the mind, emphasizing activities that bring joy and love, such as community engagement and connecting with nature. Dominique and Avi discuss the balance between selfless service and personal well-being, highlighting the necessity of setting boundaries to prevent burnout. They examine the relationship between the mind and the heart, proposing that while the mind operates based on past experiences, the heart guides toward new possibilities and deeper fulfillment. The episode also touches on societal pressures and the challenges of maintaining faith and peace in the face of financial and practical uncertainties. Ultimately, the podcast encourages listeners to follow their heart and live a life true to their inner purpose, despite external expectations and obstacles.--Dominique Aramati has been practicing yoga for over 15 years, is a dedicated kirtaniya, and an outdoor enthusiast. She first came to Yogaville as an infant to visit her grandmother, Aurelie Knapik, who was a part of Yogaville’s community for over 20 years. In addition to her spiritual pursuits, she has explored various hobbies including non-fiction writing, large-scale abstract painting, hiking, snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing. She enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible and loves to share this passion with others. Dominique graduated from James Madison University’s School of Media Arts & Design in 2016, majoring in Journalism and Creative Writing, with elective coursework in art history and environmental science. Before Yogaville, she traveled extensively along the East Coast in a Sprinter Van, working for ENO (Eagles Nest Outfitters), and spent seven seasons working at ski resorts while teaching yoga. She now owns her own digital marketing company: Hawk Intuitive, where she provides an array of marketing support. Dominique continues to deepen her spiritual practice through kirtan, connecting with nature, and fostering meaningful relationships with others.

Concept of Peace: Siva discusses peace as a profound state of consciousness that goes beyond the absence of conflict. It involves a sense of awe and connection with the beauty of creation and the presence of the divine in the world.Path to Peace and Creativity: Siva shares that his journey to inner peace began in childhood through imaginative play. As an adult, he continues to achieve this state through creative endeavors such as music, art, and writing, viewing life itself as an art form.Illusions and Materialism: He talks about the illusions of the material world (Maya) and how they can be distracting and distressing. Engaging in creative activities helps transcend these illusions and connect with a deeper reality.Spiritual Practices: Emphasizing non-violence (Ahimsa), Siva highlights the importance of cultivating love, kindness, and compassion. He also discusses the need to understand different perspectives and resolve conflicts through reconciliation and understanding.Role of Music and Nature: Siva reflects on how music and nature have been central to his life and well-being. Immersing oneself in nature and creative pursuits helps maintain balance and counter the disturbances of modern, materialistic life.--Stephen (Siva) Longfellow FiskeBorn into a musical and artistic family in New York City, Stephen was a natural in singing and acting, andperformed in school plays and musicals from elementary school through college. He wrote poems andsongs in his head and on paper before becoming a self-taught guitarist at the High School of Music andArt during the folkmusic era of the 60’s. After attending Civil Rights Marches in New York City, Stephentravelled to Washington DC in August, 1963, to take part in the Great March on Washington whereMartin Luther King Jr. gave the “I Have A Dream” Speech which greatly impacted Stephen towards hispeace and justice activism. Greatly influenced by the songs of freedom and equality and the call forsocial justice of the Civil Rights Movement, Stephen developed his own unique folk music style, andwhile in college, did his first public performances in the Greenwich Village coffee houses, such asGerde’s Folk City and the Bitter End. After college, he travelled to San Francisco where he became thelead singer and writer with an acid-rock band, “The Bycycle.” The Bycycle became booked by a majoragency and performed with such acts as Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Taj Mahal, Canned Heat, andJimi Hendrix. When the band broke up, Stephen began his solo career and over the years has writtenhundreds of songs and produced a dozen albums of his music. He has performed widely across the U.S.and overseas, has sung and done voice-overs on commercials, and his music has been in films and videosoundtracks. An award-winning songwriter, his songs have been covered by such well known artists asJose Feliciano and Luther Vandross. Stephen has been primarily an independent artist selling hisproducts directly to his audiences and keeping a contact list. He is an engaging performer who loves tointeract with his audiences and encourages people to sing-along. Accompanying himself on acousticguitar, he is a peace and environmental activist whose timely message in song, stories, and poetry havemade him a popular performer, always warmly and enthusiastically received by his audiences.--Jerusalem Prayer ProjectStephen Fiske Music

Daniel Scruggs shares his mission with Peace Culture Music, focusing on educating and inspiring through rare musical instruments and artifacts. He reflects on his personal journey, including struggles with dysgraphia and attention issues, which fueled his passion for music and culture. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing uniqueness, connecting with ancestors through music, and fostering curiosity and wonder in life.--Daniel Scruggs is a world citizen, professional musician and experienced educator who is on a mission to educate, inspire and unite. He has traveled extensively throughout the United States and internationally as a student and educator of human cultures and global music making traditions. These journeys have provided him opportunities for learning immersion in twenty four countries throughout five continents. Throughout his travels, Daniel has collected hundreds of rare musical instruments, as well as cultural artifacts, curiosities and unique geological wonders from around the world. This collection forms the basis of his interactive educational programs. Daniel spent eight years in formal music studies and performance with the prestigious Colonial Williamsburg Fife and Drum Corps, earning a foundation in rudimental drumming and marching. Upon graduation from the corps he continued formal music studies in percussion at the College of Charleston in South Carolina and Arabic Language immersion in Sana’a Yemen. Daniel earned a Bachelor's degree in Sociology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. Daniel’s interest in peace studies, culture and specialized learning methods led him to embrace the Montessori method of education. He has shared his one-of-a-kind cultural education programs in pre-schools, grade schools, colleges, hospitals, retirement communities, with students with special needs and learning disabilities, refugees from war torn countries, combat veterans, on two Native American reservations and with hundreds of educators and thousands of children throughout seven countries. He has created and led workshops for teachers and students in the United States, Canada, Egypt, Ghana, Cuba, and Ethiopia. Many of these interactive adventures feature professional “djembe” style drums for everyone to play. More can be found on the Peace Culture Music with Daniel Scruggs Youtube channel and PeaceCultureMusic.Com 

In this episode of the Integral Yoga Podcast, Mataji shares insights into her life journey and spiritual path. Born in Washington DC on April Fool's Day, she considers her birth a blessing. Reflecting on her childhood, Mataji recalls her cheerful disposition and love for quiet introspection and learning. She discusses her upbringing in a household that valued curiosity, art, and science. Mataji also delves into her spiritual journey, influenced by encounters with Swami Satchidananda and her Catholic background. Throughout the conversation, Mataji emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and cultivating love and understanding in a rapidly changing world.--Swami Gurucharanananda, lovingly called Mataji, is a senior sannyasi (monk) and disciple of Gurudev, Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj. She lives at Yogaville and serves on the Sannyas Board. Mataji is a guided meditation leader and Hatha Yoga teacher, an inspiring speaker, Integral Yoga® mentor, and private retreat guide. She loves to offer pujas (worship service), read Sri Gurudev’s teachings at lunch, and play the violin as a wake-up call in the dorms! In 2014 she was awarded the Swami Satchidananda Lifetime Service AwardWatch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6rIahfE98wM

The podcast delves into the profound spiritual journey of Snehan Born, tracing his path from early experiences in church to a lifelong quest for truth and enlightenment. Through encounters with various religious traditions, philosophical explorations, and travels worldwide, Snehan embarks on a quest to understand the deeper meaning of existence. Snehan grapples with existential questions, confronts personal privileges and challenges, and ultimately finds solace and guidance through Integral Yoga. Through anecdotes and reflections, the podcast explores themes of spiritual evolution, transformation, and the universal search for meaning in life.Watch on Youtube---Snehanji has over four decades of experience with yoga. He resides at the Integral Yoga Institute of San Francisco, where he serves as Swami Ramananda's assistant, teaches yoga classes and is a lead teacher trainer at all levels. Snehan is certified in all levels of Integral Yoga Hatha and has received additional certifications in Pranayama, Meditation, Raja Yoga and Stress Management from Integral Yoga. He has also received teacher training from yoga master Sri Dharma Mittra of the Dharma Yoga Center, Manhattan and has also studied with Sharon Gannon and David Life from Jivamukti Yoga Center, Manhattan. Snehan has studied Bhakti Yoga globally with Jai Uttal and Govind Das. Chanting mantra and playing the harmonium are part of his regular practice and classes. Snehan has lived and traveled extensively within India and practiced with many teachers there. He has taught yoga all over the US as well as in India, Nepal, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Japan and Europe.