The Philosophy of Now

As spiritual seekers, it is very common to explore the many options available in the buffet of practices - mantras, yoga styles, different traditions and even religions. When we learn - we grow. And inaction, we may become complacent. But how do we know in this process of exploration and seeking, we aren't just digging a bunch of holes but won't find the water? In other words, while exploration and learning is suggested in spiritual seeking so is sticking to a practice and diving deep into it. How do we find the right balance as beginners on the path of self development?Parvathy Baul, the renowned teacher and guru in the Baul tradition, speaks on this deep-dive introspective journey. She speaks on her own mystical experience as a Baul, the role of music and guru in Baul and the balance between liberty and relentless practice within her tradition.She also sings for us! Check out this reflective episode. Subscribe to The Philosophy of Now and the ROOTS Movement for more!

Through the course of our lives, we take on so many roles, desires, activities, friend circles, cultures and traditions. Unknowingly, we are accumulating identities. Amidst all of that, how do we stay grounded in who we are? In fact, is it okay to have so many facets and identities.Born in India and raised in California, renowned musician and popular singer Sid Sriram breaks down how his multicultural identity actually became his superpower. Moreover, he explains how music, both Indian classical and Jazz, became part of his soul growing up both Indian and American! How do we learn from his experience?And how does embracing this multiplicity and hybrid identity through art, creativity and intuition actually help us tap in to the our more uniting, singular spiritual Self - let's dive into this reflective episode!Let's learn and introspect...together.

In our journey as seekers of development, progress, higher purpose or happiness, we are often told to be life-long students. But how do we TRULY practice this? How do we turn every mundane activity into an opportunity for spiritual practice? Is this realistic for beginners or isn't this just meant for highly-elevated human-beings?It's certainly easier said than done. But today we dissect and introspect on how we can become life-long learners. Our guest today is Yogi Trivedi, a scholar, journalist, author and musician. Yes, a multitude of things! But in each, he speaks on how his spiritual practice, devotional mindset and ambition help him remain a student at HEART.Let's learn and reflect...together in this sanctuary!

Let's set the scene - you are the epic warrior of the Mahabharata, Arjuna, distraught on the battlefield. Unable to decide- to fight or not to fight? The classic Hamlet: to be or not to be? What is the right side? In our own day-to-day lives, we experience similar hurdles of the right thing to do vs the thing you wanna do. Or sometimes what is expected of you vs the right thing to do? How do we navigate these hurdles of passion, duty and desire. How do we dissect our intentions on our paths towards spiritual development. In this sanctuary of The Philosophy of Now, we are all seekers. And as we reflect together, we certainly want to go on this narrative journey of asking this deeply introspective question.To kick off Season 5 of The Philosophy of Now, we speak with the renowned speaker, Sanskrit scholar and bestselling author of The Mahabharata Unravelled 1 and 2, Ami Ganatra.She helps us break down this very question - how do we know our intentions are righteous, or on the side of Dharma? How do we know we are acting out of duty and not desire? Through her expertise and analysis of The Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita, Ami Ganatra guides us through our own story and a reflective journey to finding our own answers - Together. Listen to the full episode!Ami Ganatra's latest book, Why Are We This Way: A Guide to Hindu Shastras is available here.

Welcome to Season 5 of The Philosophy of Now podcast!This season we will take us all on a journey of contemplation, community and meditation - but through a unique path. Along with our deep conversations with some of the most inspiring and renowned minds, leaders, artists and thinkers, we will also be taking us all on a story of deep reflection. Through storytelling, moments of contemplation and of course the interview, we will be trying to dissect some of the most introspective and philosophical questions that comes as hurdles for all seekers on the spiritual path of life!What is our dharma? Is curiosity always good for us? Why do we search for meaning in life? What does it mean to critically examine our belief systems? With our guests, we will seek to find the answers to these important questions and find the philosophy of now that can guide us this season.So join us in this season of seeking and reflection - together! Tune in to the Philosophy of Now on ThursdaysSubscribe to The Philosophy of Now YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePhilosophyofNow

In this week's consistent contemplation episode, we discuss the essence and themes of the Holiday season! What should we be reflecting on during this joyful season? And how can we deepen our experience and journey WITHIN?Let's take a look and introspect together. New episodes COMING SOON - STAY TUNED!

In this month's Consistent Contemplation, we reflect on a simple yet deeply insightful quote by the great educator and thinker, Maxine Greene: "I am what I am not yet."We dive into how that quote relates into our lives, in how we see the world around us and ultimately we meditate upon it throw a guided mindfulness session.As always, The Philosophy of Now is a medium - a community for us all to look within...TOGETHER.A new season is coming out soon with more wonderful conversations and guests - STAY TUNED!

Let's revisit our phenomenal conversation with the renowned quantum physicist, Dr. Fritjof Capra - from Season 2 of the show!We dive into how spirituality and yoga philosophy helped understand the universe better, how he wrote the 'Tao of Physics,' and where he sees the two worlds of science and spirituality truly merging.Let's learn and reflect together!