The Indian Wisdom Podcast
Authentic ancient Indian wisdom teachings artfully applied to modern Western life. Grounded in scholarship and infused with live storytelling, this content is informative, entertaining, and inspiring. Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, storyteller, and online educator. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom School where he applies ancient Indian wisdom to modern Western life.
Episodes
Ep 61 - Learning Vedic Chanting: A Conversation with Shantala Sriramaiah Pt. 2
Shantala Sriramaiah is the founder of Veda Studies and a Veda recitation teacher in the Mysore lineage, trained under Sri M.S. Sreenivasan and mentored by the Challakere Brothers. Born in Bangalore into a family of chanting — her mother taught for over thirty years — Shantala now leads a global community of thousands of students through rigorous online instruction grounded in Śīkṣā, the v
Ep 60 - Learning Vedic Chanting: A Conversation with Shantala Sriramaiah
Dr. Raj speaks with Vedic chanting teacher Shantala Sriramaiah about life at the intersection of ancient lineage and modern online learning. In addition to Shantala’s journey, we discuss her platform Veda Studies and her newly published teaching resources.
Here are some links to learn more about Shantala’s work:
Website: https://www.vedastudies.com
Spotify Artist Page: https://open.spotif
Ep 59 - Learning Ancient Languages: A Conversation with Antonia Ruppel
Sanskritist and seasoned teacher Dr. Antonia Ruppel shares her views on the merits and pitfalls of academic enterprise, the brave new world of self-employed scholarship and the teaching of ancient languages.
Here are some links to learn more about Antonia’s work:
https://www.antoniaruppel.com
https://www.amazon.ca/Sanskrit-Band-Lehrbuch-Antonia-Ruppel/dp/B0FH2VS32K/
https://www.amazon.ca/
Ep 58 - Life Learning with Wendy Doniger
Wendy Doniger’s An American Girl in India: Letters and Recollections, 1963–64 (2022) is a memoir-style collection of letters and reflections from her first trip to India as a young scholar. It offers a rare glimpse into the formative experiences that shaped her future career in Indology. The personal letters of her younger self are in conversation with reflections of her older self. Using
Ep 57 - New Devī Māhātmya Sanskrit Course
Meet Anya Golovkova who is soon teaching an online 9-week Sanskrit Devī Māhātmya reading course at Yogic Studies – starts May 5!
SKT 206 | Reading the Devīmāhātmya: https://www.yogicstudies.com/skt-206
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu
Ep 56 - Dr. Raj Interviewed on Yoga, Tantra & Indian Spirituality
Have a listen to this longform podcast episode where Dr. Raj is interviewed on connections across mythology, yoga postures, tantra, powers, consciousness – and more! The interviewer is Raghav Sharma from Discovery of an Author Podcast, who took a keen interest in Dr. Raj’s new book “The Stories Behind the Poses”.
Discovery of an Author Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@DiscoveryofanAuthor
Ep 55 - Neither Night Nor Day: The Power of Paradox
What time is it when it is neither night not day? What space is neither indoors nor outdoors? Why would we even want to entertain such considerations? Hear the story of how Viṣṇu outsmarted a demon leveraging the power of paradox.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre
Ep 54 - Viṣṇu's Yogic Sleep
Why does Viṣṇu slumber at the end of the age? Is ‘being asleep’ not the opposite of being awakened, i.e., consciousness? Or does this sleep represent a different state of consciousness altogether? Listen in as Dr. Raj addresses these questions and more.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teache
Ep 53 - Anniversary Episode: Dr. Raj’s “Living in Alignment” Interview with Amy Landry
Today marks the one-year anniversary of The Indian Wisdom Podcast! As such we’re sharing a fascinating recent interview Dr. Raj gave on the Living in Alignment podcast with Amy Landry. The interview features elements of his life path, the pedagogical power of story, the creation of The Stories Behind the Poses, a very special tale from the Upaniṣads – and much more!
Amy's Personal Website
Ep 52 - Sarasvatī and Subtle Sound
Why does Sarasvatī represent eloquence, artistry and sound itself? And what does she have to do with Vedic revelation? Learn about the interplay between Creator and Creativity (Brahmā and Sarasvatī) and what this has to do with divine revelation.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at th
Ep 51 - Who's Your Gādhī? Swapping Sages and Kings
Gādhī wants to become a Daddy and requests that his son-in-law Sage Ṛcīka to prepare a porridge for his wife to conceive a royal son. The sage prepares two brews: a royal brew for his mother-in-law and a sage sauce for his own wife (Gādhī’s daughter). But the two brews get switched! This results in two famous convergences of sages and kings: Viśvāmitra and Paraśurāma.
The Indian Wisdom Po
EP 50 - Śvetaketu’s Education: What Can’t Be Learnt at School
The great sage Uddālaka sends his son Śvetaketu away for a proper education spanning 12 years from the ages of 12 to 24. Yet upon return, though learned, Śvetaketu still hasn’t learned the most important spiritual teachings. Listen in as Uddālaka schools his son.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder.
Ep 49 - Viṣṇu's Fish Incarnation: The Power of Protection
Manu agrees to protect a tiny fish – why? This fish grows to mammoth proportions and reveals himself to be Viṣṇu himself. What does this tale teach about the function of protection?
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom School
Ep 48 Viṣṇu’s Kuṇḍalinī Couch Time
Why does Viṣṇu recline upon a serpent couch between cycles of creation? What does this represent? Learn the symbology of the serpent couch and its connection to ‘serpent power’.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom School. He
Ep 47 The Two-Headed Eagle
Hear of how both Śiva and Viṣṇu incarnate as beasts and forget their divinity in this tale about the interplay between preservation and destruction. The answer of which of the two is more powerful might most fruitfully be answered by the two-headed eagle capable of multiple perspectives.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and
Ep 46 Sage Durvāsas: Blessings, Curses and Comfort within Discomfort
Why is Durvāsas always throwing curses? Hear of three mythic moments where he issues curses and blessings alike as instruments if destiny. Learn to find the comfort within discomfort.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom Scho
Ep 45 The Sage with Eight Bends: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice
Why do people discriminate against the disabled, or in general? Hear the tale of the sage who through physically debilitated ran laps around the luminaries of his day in terms of his spiritual attainment. Hear too of mutual learning and healing between father and son.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage ho
Ep 44 The Three Strides: Pride Before the Fall
What is the difference between healthy pride and toxic pride? How do we navigate the two? Hear the tale of how Viṣṇu’s dwarf incarnation humbles the demon Bali.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom School. He is also the auth
Ep 43 Yoga Teacher Training 2.0: An Interview with Jen Goetchius
Dr. Raj interviews Jen Goetchius about her rich yoga teacher training manual and programme in the Cleveland, Ohio area. They discuss and the need and applicability of Indian wisdom in the modern Western world.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Hanuman Chalisa pocketbook - https://www.amazon.com/Hanuman-Chalisa-Pocketbook-Jen-Goetchius/dp/B0D9HP5KD4/
200-hour Training Manual: https://www
Ep 42 Meeting Tumultuous Times: Wisdom for the Present Moment
Profound and practical wisdom from ancient India, China, and the Modern West alike, on meeting tumultuous times.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom School. He is also the author of "The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian
Ep 41 Decoding Diwali: Lakṣmī, Abundance Incarnate
What is the spiritual significance of Diwali, the Indic festival of lights? Learn about the inner light through Dr. Raj’s decoding of Lakṣmī, and the various blessings she bestows.
Learn all about Diwali in this 90 minute workshop: https://www.indianwisdomschool.com/diwali-workshop
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storytelle
Ep 40 Mental Health Aware Yoga: A Conversation with Dr. Lauren Tober
Join Dr. Raj in conversation with Dr. Lauren Tober, Clinical Psychologist, Life Coach and Yoga Teacher, about her new book, "Mental Health Aware Yoga: A Guide for Yoga Teachers." In her book and our conversation, Dr. Tober discusses the foundations of yoga psychology, therapeutic skills, the mental health crisis, and more.
You can find Dr. Tober at https://www.laurentober.c
Ep 39 Goddess Glories in Ukrainian: An Interview with Alisa Lozhkina
Fascinating and far-reaching conversation with art historian and illustrator Alisa Lozhkina on her new translation of the Devī Māhātmya into Ukrainian – a global first.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom School. He is also the author of "The Stories Be
Ep 38 Saving the Earth
Why did the ancients revere nature? Who did Western traditions demonize that very nature veneration as ‘pagan’? Hear an ancient Indian tale which parallels our modern ecological crisis, and insights on the path forward.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisd
Ep 37 Śiva's Cosmic Dance of Bliss
Why does Shiva dance destruction at the end of the age? Why does he do so in a state of bliss? Learn about the cyclical vision of the universe transformed by the union of Śiva and Śakti, the divine Tāṇḍava dance, and Naṭarāja form of Śiva.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies an
Ep 36 Śiva’s Blue Throat: Neutralizing Life’s Poisons
Why does Śiva have a blue throat? It’s because of the venom which emerged from churning the cosmic ocean, venom which he neither spit out nor swallowed. What did he do with it, and what can this teach us about handling life’s toxicity?
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at
Ep 35 Dog Dharma: Canine Symbology in Indic Thought
Why is a dog the vehicle of Bhairava, Śiva’s embodied wrath? Why does Yudhiṣṭhira insist on a dog accompanying him to heaven? Invoking ferocity and friendship alike, learn the wide range of canine associations in Indic thought. Part of these stories are embodied in the yoga poses ūrdhva mukha śvānāsana (upward facing dog) and adho mukha śvānāsana (downward facing dog).
Hosted by Dr. Raj B
Ep 34 An Interview with Dr. Christopher Jain Miller
Join me for a candid interview with Dr. Christopher Jain Miller, VP of Academic Affairs and Professor of Jain and Yoga Studies at Arihanta Institute, about studying and teaching religion, Jain values, spiritual seeking, daily practice – and more!
Ep 33 Gālava’s Gift: An Ode to the Mighty Mādhavī
Because of stubbornness, Gālava is tasked with the impossible: procuring 800 white horses each with a single black ear as a gift to his guru Viśvāmitra. Hear how the impossible is made possible by the formidable Mādhavī and her self-directed dalliances with 3 royal figures.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches
Ep 32 Arjuna's Aim: Meeting your Mark in the Mahābhārata and Beyond
Listen in as Dr. Raj sets the stage for the epic conversation between the master marksman Arjuna and his divine charioteer Kṛṣṇa comprising the Bhagavad Gītā. Learn what this teaches your about ‘meeting your mark’ in your own life.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The
Ep 31 The Teacher’s Tests: Dhaumya and his Disciples
Why do traditional Indian teachers test their students? Is this about power, or something else? What is gained by jumping through such hoops? Hear the tale of Dhaumya and the tests he issues to three of his disciples.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian
Ep 30 Bhairava: Śiva’s Righteous Wrath
Can wrath be righteous? Can decapitation be divine? Hear the tale of when Śiva decapitates the Creator himself in order to teach him an important lesson.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom School. He is also the author of "The Stories Behind the Poses:
Ep 29 Harnessing Śiva’s Sacred Seed: The Extraordinary Birth of Skanda
This episode unpacks the rich symbology in the gods causing Śiva to spill his sacred seed in order to father Kārttikeya, General of the Celestial Army. What can we learn about sacred masculine, sacred feminine and their divine union? This story is embodied in the yoga posture skandāsana, war god pose.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual
Ep 28 Divine Decapitation
Gaṇeśa receives his elephant head as a replacement for his original, decapitated head at the hands of Śiva. What insights about the spiritual quest can we glean from this prima facia gruesome tale?
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, seasoned storyteller and spiritual lineage holder. He teaches at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at The Indian Wisdom School. He is also
Ep 27 The Power of Play
Play is no mundane thing. It elicits joy (ānanda), which, according to the ancients is part and parcel of the divine presence. Indeed, all the world is even understood as the play of the divine (līlā). Hear what happens when Yaśoda looks into baby Kṛṣṇa’s mouth!
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditional Indian wisdom through storytelling, Hindu mythology, y
Ep 26 Guru’s Grace: The Wisdom of Sharing Wisdom
We have a special episode for you this week in celebration for the upcoming holiday associated with Sunday's full moon, Gur Pūrṇimā. Learn the story of a sage who mastered Vedic texts but needed to learn something much more important for his training to be complete: the power of sharing what he learned.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditional Indian wisdom thro
Ep 25 Indra’s Thunderbolt: Wielding the Secret Fire
Hear the tale of how Indra, King of Gods, defeats the serpent demon Vṛtra with the help of the great Sage Dadīchi, and his energized bones! This story is embodied in the yoga posture Vajrāsana (thunderbolt pose).
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditional Indian wisdom through storytelling, Hindu mythology, jyotiṣa (vedic astrology), yoga, ayurveda, and Sanskrit.
Ep 24 The Sovereign and the Sage: Balancing Social and Spiritual Selves
Hear of the epic feud between Vasiṣṭha, best of sages, and king Viśvāmitra over the wish-fulfilling cow, and learn what it teaches about integrate social and spiritual selves.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditional Indian wisdom through storytelling, Hindu mythology, jyotiṣa (vedic astrology), yoga, ayurveda, and Sanskrit. This show is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkar
Ep 23 Hanumān and the Sun: Where Monkey Mind meets Spiritual Seeking
When young, Hanumān mistakes the rising Sun for a ripe mango, and flies to heaven to devour it. He later realizes that this hunger was actually a thirst for spiritual knowledge and seeks out the Sun for spiritual instruction. What does this story teach about the spiritual quest? This story is embodied in the yoga posture Praṇāmāsana (reverence pose), the first step of Sūrya Na
Ep 22 Hanumān’s Feminine Power
Why is Hanumān so powerful? Why is he ever chaste and without consort? Hear the wisdom he learned from his mother about the power of the feminine force.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditional Indian wisdom through storytelling, Hindu mythology, jyotiṣa (vedic astrology), yoga, ayurveda, and Sanskrit. This show is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit sc
Ep 21 Sītā’s Separation: Reflections from the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa
Why does Rāma abandon Sītā after fighter so hard to win her back? What role does separation play in the Rāmāyaṇa? What can it teach you about how to deal with separation in your own life?
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditional Indian wisdom through storytelling, Hindu mythology, jyotiṣa (vedic astrology), yoga, ayurveda, and Sanskrit. This show is hosted
Ep 20 The Wisdom of Creative Inspiration: The Primordial Poet and Sanskrit’s “First Verse”
Hear the tale of the great sage Vālmīki and the painful process whereby he births Sanskrit verse, with which he composes the story of Rāma.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditional Indian wisdom through storytelling, Hindu mythology, jyotiṣa (vedic astrology), yoga, ayurveda, and Sanskrit. This show is hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, storyteller
Ep 19 The Three Wishes
What is the best thing to wish for? What would you wish for if you had three wishes? Hear of the strife and wisdom which entails when Shiva grants a man a wish fulfilling mantra that gives him three wishes…
In this episode, Dr. Raj discusses the power and illusions of desire. Do your desires have control over you, or do you have control over them?
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is release
Ep 18 The Stories Behind the Poses: Which Warrior for Warrior Pose?
Why are yoga poses named about mythic characters? In this episode, Dr. Raj discusses the relationship between mythic stories and yoga poses. He also talks about the backstory of his book “The Stories Behind the Poses" and tells the story behind Vīrabhadrāsana, Warrior pose.
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditional Indian wisdom through storytelling, Hindu mythol
Ep 17 Is Reality More than the Material? An Interview with Modern Philosopher Bernardo Kastrup
This week we're sharing an exciting crosspost and conversation with Bernardo Kastrup, PhD from the New Books Network: New Books in Indian Religions podcast. At the vanguard of the modern renaissance of metaphysical idealism, Bernardo presents cogent argumentation that reality is essentially mental, and examines the proper place of the scientific method in this deliberation. Bernardo’s res
Ep 16 Mārkaṇḍeya’s Metamorphosis: The Story of Staying Forever Young
Hear Dr. Raj tell the story of Sage Mārkaṇḍeya, the boon that brought him into the world, and the boon that grants him immortal life, forever young, ever sixteen. How do we know when we are making the right decision, and are we truly able to know the consequences of our actions?
This story is also embodied in the yoga posture pāśāsana, noose pose: "Configured to emulate the knot and the f
Ep 15 The Triumph of the Goddess
Tales of Durga from the Devī Māhātmya (The Greatness of the Goddess) continued: the creation of Kālī, the Seven Mothers, and the Goddess’ ultimate triumph over demonic foe. What would the world look like if we took seriously the idea of an indwelling feminine power pervading the earth, its creatures, and our fellow humans?
The Indian Wisdom Podcast is released weekly and covers traditiona
Ep 14 The Birth of Kālī
Continuing our look into the "Glory of the Goddess," the story of the Devī Māhātmya, this episode features the birth of terrifying Kālī from the indignant wrath of the Goddess. Kālī is a response to demonic attempts to objectify, commodify, and possess the Goddess. She emerges when the demons make a mad dash to drag the Goddess by her hair! Embodied in this lesson are themes of strength,
Ep 13 Sanskrit Study: A Candid Conversation with Antonia Ruppel
In this episode, Dr. Raj hosts a candid conversation with renowned Sanskritist and online teacher Antonia Ruppel on her love of the language, teaching philosophy, views on academia, and exciting online programming. She’ll be teaching an upcoming course at The Indian Wisdom School on how to pick the best English translation of Sanskrit texts (no Sanskrit background or language learnin
Ep 12 Power's Purpose
Profound insights on the principle of power, personified in Indian myth by the Great Goddess Durgā, specifically from the story of the Devī Māhātmya. Hear of how the gods of heaven collectively summon Her to restore their power after the shapeshifting buffalo demons usurps the throne of heaven. Embodied in this lesson are themes of empowerment, overcoming obstacles, and looking beyond the
Ep 11 The Wisdom of Eclipses
This episode explores the profound interplay between shadow and light, particularly in vogue during eclipses. Hear the tale of the demon Rāhu who snuck into the celestial assembly donning the garb of the gods in an attempt to covet the nectar of immortality. Hear also of his fascinating fate, as bringer of eclipses, ever at odds with Sun and Moon. This story is embodied in the wheel yoga
Ep 10 The Wisdom of Waxing and Waning
Why is the moon so captivating? What does it represent in Indic thought? What’s the difference between full and new moon? Hear the tale of the Moon god’s marriage to 27 wives and the wisdom of his waxing and waning contained within. This story is embodied in the half moon yoga pose, ardhacandrāsana.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, storyteller and online educator. In additi
Ep 9 Wisdom of Witnessing
In this episode, Dr. Raj tells the tale of the majestic Kālī looming over the inert corpse-like body of Śiva in order to illumine the wisdom of witnessing. He dives into how this story is embodied in śavāsana, known as corpse pose, commonly practiced at the end of yoga lessons. Practicing this pose invites yogis a chance to pause and simply witness before moving along with their day.
Host
Ep 8 The Wisdom of Trees
How do you remain grounded in these tumultuous times? In this episode, Dr. Raj reflects on the power of breath and on the wisdom of trees, ever upright, abiding in the plane between heaven and earth. He tells the story the great sage Mārkaṇḍeya and applies the wisdom of trees to modern Western living.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, storyteller and online educator. In
Ep 7 Grounding the Ganges: Exploring Symbols of Śiva
This episode dives into the rich mythology of the great god Śiva, lord of yoga, emblematic of spiritual striving. Dr. Raj tells the tale of the descent of the Ganges from celestial sphere to become an earthly river, and how her colossal might was as if a single drop of dew amid the matted locks of the ever-grounding Śiva.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, storyteller and onl
Ep 6 The Wisdom of Eden: Inverting an Ancient Tale
In this episode, Dr. Raj discusses the interplay between masculine and feminine principles. After deconstructing the masculine ethos of the Garden of Eden story, Dr. Raj inverts that rather than being cursed by God, Adam and Eve are blessed by the Goddess.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, storyteller and online educator. In addition to academic training, he was lineally tra
Ep 5 Nature or Nurture
Is your life a result of nurture or nature? Destiny or free will? Listen in as Dr. Raj broaches the mysteries of life through the lens of karmic theory, sharing the tale of the great sage Matsyendra and his fascinating training.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit scholar, storyteller and online educator. In addition to academic training, he was lineally trained by Mantriji, our sangha
Ep 4 The Wisdom of Belief
Above and beyond our specific beliefs, this episode unpacks the power of belief itself, especially belief in our self. It draws on the tale of Hanumān and his monumental flying leap over the sea from the Southern tip of India to the island citadel of Laṅkā. While at first stymied be the task at head, Hanumān summoned his strength and every iota of faith to render the impossible possible.
Ep 3 The Holy Man and the Harlot
How do we engage the world without become enmeshed within it? The Bhagadvad Gītā says this has very little to do with what we do, and everything to do with the spirit in which we do it. And so, this episode features a reversal of roles where an earnest so-called ‘harlot’ serves as a moral exemplar for a so-called holy man, humbling him to abandoning his self-righteous pride.
Instagr
Ep 2 The Wisdom of World-Affirmation
In this episode, Dr. Raj discusses the world-affirming aspect of Indian wisdom teachings. He discusses the extent to which these teachings, though originating in ascetic contexts, are geared towards improving life in the world. He touches on Arjuna’s impulse to renounce the world in the Bhagavad Gītā and also tells the tale of a great sage who, despite his all of his efforts in Vedic lear
Ep 1 Gaṇeśa and Kārttikeya
In this episode, Dr. Raj introduces the podcast and gives a little background on his academic and spiritual journeys. He also tells the story of Gaṇeśa and Kārttikeya, brothers and sons of the god Śiva, competing for the honour to be foremost of gods. The story explores key wisdom teachings we can apply to bring peace to our modern, busy lives.
Hosted by Dr. Raj Balkaran, a Sanskrit schol
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