Through a collage of conversations, here we distill mindful living and timeless wisdom within a modern everyday context. Experience rich and insightful dialogue...
Emma Balnaves - Naths of Nepal & Components of Complete Yoga Practice
Emma Balnaves is an internationally respected teacher of the traditional forms and philosophies of Hatha Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 1995.Emma was introduced to yoga in her early teens when she became intrigued by the mystery of the practices and the feelings they evoked inside her. After studying visual communication, majoring in photography at university, and working in the creative arts in Sydney, New York, and London, Emma committed herself to a life of teaching yoga. Her early training began with a three-year apprenticeship at the Hatha Yoga Shala in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia.After decades of in-depth study and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and other internal arts, Emma began incorporating the full spectrum of the yogic process in her teaching.In 2019 she completed her first film Agniyogana, which she was inspired to create as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring a better understanding of all aspects of the practice.IN THIS EPISODE:— Emma sheds light on Nepal’s influence and contribution to yoga, particularly with respect the Hatha Yoga— The teachings of Nrtta (“pure dance) and how it has informed the teachings of Shadow Yoga— Explore nrtta, karana, and the forms relating to Lord Shiva that have arisen through and are associated with Chidambaram Temple in Southern India— Teachings of the charana-s— Emma’s suggestions and wisdom around the essential components that comprise complete practice and sadhana WEBSITE: https://shadowyoga.com/aboutINSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shadow_yoga/ & https://www.instagram.com/agniyoganafilm/ RESOURCES: https://shadowyoga.com/resources--ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com// INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/
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Drdha Vrata - Safeguarding Indian Art Traditions
Drdha Vrata Gorrick learned classical arts for several years in South India from renowned iconography Masters and has established himself as one of the leading experts and teachers of Vedic iconography.
He has traveled the world exhibiting his works and conducting classes with the aim to introduce and promote the ancient art form.
Drdha’s works are in various private collections around the globe and his students are also spread far and wide.
IN THIS RICH EPISODE:
— Drdha’s fascinating and serendipitous personal story how the seeds of India and art have been woven throughout all facets of his life.
— Unpacking the sacred Shilpa Shastra (ancient texts and treatise on classical Indian art and iconography)
— Some of the rituals from the Shilpa Shastra that are performed when creating traditional art (such as the Dhyanashloka)
— The key rules and guidelines when creating a form of any deity or murti
— What to look for when purchasing Indian art, such as a statue/murti
— Learn of a few profound insights around temple construction and architecture
CONNECT WITH DRDHA:
Website: https://www.divyakala.com/
Instagram: @drdha_art / https://www.instagram.com/drdha_art
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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:
A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.
Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.
You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.
WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/
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1:00:42
Raj Balkaran - Sanctity of Stories in Yoga & Beyond
Dr. Raj Balkaran is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative texts and author of “The Stories Behind the Poses”. He is a Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and Founder of the online Indian Wisdom School where he integrates scholarship, storytelling and spirituality to apply ancient Indian wisdom teachings to modern life. Beyond research, speaking and teaching, he runs a thriving one-on-one life guidance and runs transformative retreats in stunning global settings.
IN THIS EPISODE:
— Raj’s life path and love story with rich literacy and story alongside his scholarly work and spiritual exploration
— A wonderful story from the Chandogya Upanishad
— The evolution of tradition
— Story pedagogy and frame narratives
— Exploration of the meaning of “myth” and “mythology”
— The powerful impact and value behind the timeless stories
— The driving motivation and process behind the creation of The Stories Behind the Poses
— Considerations of the application of stories into yoga asana environments
CONNECT WITH RAJ:
Website: www.rajbalkaran.com & www.indianwisdomschool.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianwisdomschool/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indianwisdomschool
LISTEN TO RAJ via these podcasts:
— Indian Wisdom School
— New Books in Indian Religions (New Books Network)
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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:
A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.
Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.
You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.
WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/
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57:28
Heather Elton - Yoga Traditionalism & the Mysticism of Nepal
Regarded as a teacher of teachers, Heather Elton has practiced yoga since 1986. She has facilitated countless international retreats and yoga teacher trainings and currently takes groups on spiritual tours of the Himalaya throughout Bhutan, Nepal, and India.
Over many decades, Heather’s physical practice has primarily been in Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga. She offers 1 on 1 mentoring and private classes as well as more recently teaching weekly at a studio in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Her teachings integrate ancient wisdom traditions with contemporary psychology to create a mindful practice that diminishes suffering.
Originally from Canada, Heather’s work and wisdom will take you into the spiritual heart of the practice.
IN THIS EPISODE:
— Heather’s captivating story over many decades of yoga, spiritual seeking, the quest for identity and the dissolution of it
— The transmission and entanglement of Buddhist, Tantrik, and Hatha traditions
— The value and demise of traditionalism in yoga
— A glimpse into the mystical and ancient abode of Nepal and the Himalaya
— Learn of Heather’s upcoming South Asia spiritual experiences
MENTIONED:
Tripsichore Yoga Theatre
Dona Holleman
Jivamukti Yoga
Chökyi Lodrö
Dzongsar Khyentse
Maharaj Ishanath Aghori Baba
Viharas
Vajrācārya
CONNECT WITH HEATHER:
Website: https://eltonyoga.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathereltonyoga/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pashupati-Hatha-Yoga-Club/100077892456316/
UPCOMING RETREATS WITH HEATHER:
Nepal: April 18-27, 2025
Bhutan: May 10-20, 2025
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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:
A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.
Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.
You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.
WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/
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56:58
Mira Manek - The Heritage & Heart of Chai
Mira Manek is an author and the founder of the chai spice brand Chai by Mira; She is a speaker and Ayurveda and wellness expert.
Her 3 books are Saffron Soul, Prajna: Ayurvedic Rituals for Happiness, and, her latest release is The Book of Chai: History Stories and Recipes.
IN THIS EPISODE:
— Be taken inside some of Mira's personal inspiration, cultural heritage, and journey that has influenced the creation of her work.
— Fascinating insights into the history and timeline of chai and how it influenced India's culture through both rebellion and community connection
— Behind the scenes of Mira's process of creating three published books that are held by a common thread
— Discover the chai food culture of India, the staples and snacks that are traditional accompaniments of the classic beverage
— Some fun facts about Mira: her fave spice in chai, her fave snack with chai, her ultimate memory of chai, her fave chai recipe, and Mira's most cherished and beloved place in India (and why)
CONNECT WITH MIRA:
Website: https://miramanek.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miramanek/ & https://www.instagram.com/chaibymira/
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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:
A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit. Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival. You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.
WEBSITE: https://amyelandry.com/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/
Through a collage of conversations, here we distill mindful living and timeless wisdom within a modern everyday context. Experience rich and insightful dialogue with a wide variety of guests as we explore the melodies and mechanics of life. Here, we nurture and value the delicate relationship with seasonal rhythm, our outer environment, and also delve into the unlimited reservoir of quietude and neutrality within.
We venture into concepts around mindfulness, meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda, breath work, movement, mantra, harmonious seasonal living, motherhood, mindset, and what it looks like to lead a life living in alignment. With sincerity, curiosity, and studentship, we navigate that which makes us come alive.