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 ...
The Chariot of the Self: Unpacking the Metaphor at the Heart of the Bhagavad Gita
Send us a textThis episode focuses on Chapter 2, Sankhya Yoga, of the Bhagavad Gita, starting with verse 14. Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi introduce the verse, which discusses the impermanence of material sensations and dualities like pleasure and pain. The hosts explore the metaphor of the chariot, which is a central image in the Gita and Upanishadic texts. They explain how this metaphor represents the relationship between the body, senses, mind, and the true self or Atman. Key topics discussed include:The impact of sensory experiences on our psychology and behaviorThe importance of training and managing the senses through practices like PratyaharaThe subjective nature of perception and the need for objectivityPractical advice for maintaining inner peace amidst changing sensationsThe role of sacred spaces in calming the senses and facilitating spiritual growthThe hosts provide insightful commentary, drawing from yoga philosophy and their own experiences, to help listeners understand the Gita's teachings on mastering the senses and achieving equanimity.
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49:45
Transcending Grief: Exploring the Eternal Self in the Bhagavad Gita
Send us a textIn this episode of A Woman's Gita Podcast, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose delve into the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as Krishna responds to Arjuna's overwhelming grief and confusion.Key topics include:Arjuna's emotional state and Krishna's compassionate guidanceThe symbolism of the banyan tree and its significance in the Upanishadic traditionThe role of silence, meditation, and the teacher-student relationshipThe concept of the eternal nature of the self, transcending temporary physical existenceThe cyclical nature of life and death, and the importance of understanding this processPersonal experiences and reflections on aging, grief, and the essence that remains constantAs Nischala and Kamala unpack these profound teachings, listeners will be captivated by the feminine perspective that illuminates the wisdom at the heart of this revered scripture. Whether you are new to the Bhagavad Gita or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers insights that can deepen your understanding of the eternal essence within us all.Join us as we continue our journey through the Bhagavad Gita, discovering the timeless spiritual truths that can guide us through life's challenges and transitions.
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44:47
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.
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41:41
The Paradox of Violence and Yoga: Reconciling Ahimsa in the Bhagavad Gita
Send us a textIn this episode of A Woman's Gita, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose explore the profound paradox within the Bhagavad Gita—the tension between the violent backdrop of war and the yogic principle of ahimsa, or non-violence.Main topics include:The emotional and moral crisis of Arjuna during the Mahabharata warArjuna's internal conflict as a Kshatriya warrior torn between duty and non-violenceThe relevance of Arjuna's struggle for spiritual seekers in the modern worldThe concept of the "dark night of the soul" and its transformative powerNavigating violence, compassion, and personal responsibility through the teachings of the GitaPractical insights on balancing ahimsa with real-world complexitiesUsing despair as a catalyst for spiritual growth and resilience
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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
About A Woman’s Gita: Bhagavad Gita by and for Western Women
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.
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