Shadow to Self with Acharya Shunya
Shadow to Self is a podcast hosted by spiritual teacher and author Acharya Shunya. It explores the coexistence of light and darkness within each person and discusses non-dual spirituality, relationships, consciousness, karma, dharma, and moksha. Episodes include personal stories and occasional guest conversations aimed at opening the heart to deeper awareness and inner freedom. The show encourages listeners to reflect on existential questions and bring spiritual insight into daily life.
Episodes
The Inner Sun: Entering the Gayatri Mantra
In this episode of Shadow to Self, Acharya Shunya shares the Gayatri Mantra not as theory, but as living memory. From early dawn walks along the Sarayu River in Ayodhya to the disciplined transmission of her grandfather, she reveals how Gayatri became the inner architecture of her life. You will learn: • Why Gayatri is called the mother of the Vedas • The meaning of its three lines and three vyahr
When the Shadow Meets Grace: Advaita and Kabbalah in Dialogue
In this episode, Vedic wisdom meets the depths of Jewish mysticism as host Acharya Shunya sit sin dialogue with Rabbi Matthew Ponak. Together, they explore how the shadow is not something to be conquered but met with divine intelligence, how ancient traditions guide us when the self feels fragmented, and how grace arrives when effort alone falls short. Drawing from Advaita and embodied Kabbalah, t
Sita's Gems: Reclaiming Sita's Voice from the Shadows
Sita, the heroine of the Hindu epic Ramayana and a divine feminine avatar of Lakshmi, is often misunderstood. She is praised for her patience, remembered for her suffering, but rarely honored for her sovereign choices, her hidden fire, her radical return to Self. In this extraordinary episode, Acharya Shunya brings together the creators of Sitayana—a groundbreaking audio retelling of the Ramayana
Creativity Without Chains – From Shadow to Self with Dr. Shamini Jain
Acharya Shunya is joined by Dr. Shamini Jain—clinical psychologist, award-winning researcher, founder of the Consciousness and Healing Initiative, and author of Healing Ourselves. Drawing from her Jain upbringing, her work in biofield science, and her love for the goddess, music and mantra, Dr. Jain speaks with Acharya Shunya about the healing source field, the four paths of yoga, and how embracin
What Melts the Shadow? A Journey Through Five Inner Glaciers
Beneath your spiritual practices may live five ancient forces freezing your truth: the kleshas. In this poetic and piercing episode, Acharya Shunya reveals how real Yoga doesn't just soothe you—it thaws the false self. Journey through the inner glaciers of ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear—and rediscover the Self that's always been there. This is not lifestyle yoga. This is serious aw
The Yoga's Way to Win Life
In this episode of Shadow to Self, Acharya Shunya flips the script: Real yogis don't chase life—they serve it. And that's when life starts giving back. Drawing from the fire of Karma Yoga, she reveals the true turning point: when your life becomes an offering, not a performance. The Yogi's Way to Win in Life Yoga isn't a chase. It's a fire. Listen now—and stop waiting. Start burning.
Karmic Relief & the Real Yoga of Imperfect Lives
What if your stuckness, your suffering, even your failure to "get it right" on the spiritual path… is not a detour, but the path itself? In this compelling conversation, Vedic teacher Acharya Shunya meets with Phil Goldberg, bestselling author of American Veda and the forthcoming Karmic Relief: Harnessing the Laws of Cause and Effect for a Joyful, Meaningful Life (releasing October 2025). Together
Not a Teacher—A Guru
A true Guru doesn't comfort the ego—they burn it. In this episode, Acharya Shunya contrasts the rise of yoga instructors with the sacred fire of the Guru tradition. Through lineage stories, sacred verses, and fierce love for truth, she invites us to let yoga burn again.
Come Home to Yourself
In this moving episode, Acharya Shunya speaks with Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati about her new book Come Home to Yourself — a heartfelt guide for anyone seeking inner peace and spiritual clarity. Sadhviji was a Stanford grad living a typical American life in California — until a trip to India and a dip in the Ganges changed everything. For the past 35+ years, she's lived as a renunciate by the Ganga,
Yoga Was Never Meant to Soothe You
Yoga was never meant to soothe you. It was meant to burn—to pierce illusion, dissolve ego, and awaken the Self. In this Season 2 premiere of Shadow to Self, Acharya Shunya—a Vedic scholar and fierce voice of lineage—returns to restore Yoga to its sacred fire. Not a trend. Not a performance. A path. New episodes drop on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays. Learn more: AcharyaShunya.com Google Podcasts
The Luminous Self: A Dialogue with Author Tracee Stanley
In this enlightening conversation, Tracee Stanley, the author of the bestselling book "Radiant Rest: Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation and Awakened Clarity," joins podcast host Acharya Shunya, a three-time bestselling author and esteemed Vedic teacher. Together, these two influential feminine leaders delve into the profound wisdom of yoga nidra, meditation, and self-inquiry, sharing insights and teac
Anchored but Unstuck: In Conversation with Teacher Author and Musician David Nichtern
Join Acharya Shunya in conversation with David Nichtern is a senior Buddhist teacher who has practiced meditation for over 40 years. He was an early student of Tibetan master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and teaches Buddhist principles through his Dharma Moon platform. David mentors students and leads meditation teacher trainings worldwide. As an author, Nichtern has authored many books including Awa
How Does Ayurveda Enables Health Despite Poor Prognosis
Ayurveda, the ancient Vedic system of health and healing is often able to deliver results despite a poor prognosis. How does that happen? How can you intellectually align with classic wisdom to benefit from the deepest promise of Ayurveda? What are some of Ayurveda's deep tenets and how can you come into alignment with your own deepest state of health? Listen to this informative and inspiring epis
Vedic Mythology: Metaphysical Guidance For Your Inner Journey
Vedic mythology which is timeless and teaches us about ourselves, from beyond culture, religion and gender. These myths are tales of characters who never existed, and yet the characters who variously embody shades of light and darkness, are eternal . They existed before we existed. They will survive us. Learn from Vedic scholar and bestselling author Acharya Shunya, the ways you can glean deep
Awaken The Unstuck Dimension Within You
In this episode, Vedic Scholar and author of best selling book Sovereign Self clarifies how in each one of us we have a dimension that lives inside space and time constructs and occupies a story and a dimension that is beyond space and time and any kind of story. If we learn to connect more with the latter than the former, we can have a human story but not be bound by it or suffer because of it;
Activate Shree: Goddess Lakshmi's Wealth, Grace, Abundance
Shree or Shri represents Goddess Lakshmi herself and her grace, splendour, beauty, wealth, affluence, prosperity, good luck. Did you know that each embodied soul has a karmic quota of "Shree' to unpack in a given lifetime. Sadly, many of us are not in alignment with Shree and harbor wrong beliefs that prevent Shree from manifesting good fortune for us. In this episode, show host Acharya Shunya,
How to Be Fearless in Facing Your Shadow
If you're willing to believe that your shadow isn't just the scary, fearful, uncomfortable part of you, but your inner friend, you can start to feel comfortable sitting it down, asking some questions, and seeing it as your teacher. Whether the shadow becomes your friend or enemy depends largely upon your relationship with the Self.
UNBOUND - Claim your Freedom today
Learn how to free yourself from your own negative, self-doubting and betraying mind. This timely episode is a soothing balm for our times. Discover how to embrace authenticity, self-love and rewrtie a life script of peace, clarity and purpose. This episode highlights Acharya Shunya's journey to freedom. Tune in, to transform your life and the world we live in. Be inspired and invest in yourself. G
Enlightened Vulnerability – Hope amidst Hopelessness
Acharya Shunya talks about being whole and coming into a relationship with the Shadow and the Self. Being human means accepting the co-existence of the appearance and the truth – this phenomenon she calls "Enlightened Vulnerability." She instructs us not to blame our Shadow, and that the Shadow tends to perpetuate itself – till we infuse it with the Truth. She re-stresses the importance of discern
How to Embody Ahimsa to be Truly Powerful
There is a deposit within all humans to be noble, considerate and above all, kind, because of who we truly are – the dharmic Self – and not what our ego thinks we are. Yet, we need reminders, because many times, we forget our deepest spiritual imperatives. In this episode of Shadow to Self, Acharya Shunya, shall delve deep into the concept of ahimsa (non-violence) and why and how you can practice
Cultivate Excellence for A Goddess Blessed Life Today
In this podcast, Vedic Scholar and bestselling author of Roar Like A Goddess, Acharya Shunya invites listeners on a quest for personal excellence in everything they do, for greater success and satisfaction in life. She explains how excellence is different from perfectionism and how the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi is all about excellence. By adopting this one dharma value of excellence, you will become e
Diwali Special: Decoding The Ramayana With Michael Sternfeld
In the episode, Achara Shunya muses on the spiritual significance of Diwali - the Hindu Festival of Lights and delves deep into Ramayana, the epic story behind Diwali with Michael Sternfeld, MA, who is a distinguished scholar of Ramayana and also a producer/director with over 400 productions in theater, music, dance, audio and video to his credit. In addition to publishing the complete audio Ramay
Self Respect and How to Embody It Like A Goddess
Respecting yourself is a critical prerequisite to everything else such as self-esteem, self-love, self-consideration and even feeling worthy of fulfilling your needs and availing opportunities like everyone else. For many people, especially women, self-respect is blocked. Acharya Shunya discusses 4 ways to unblock the flow of this divine self-validating emotion within you that shall make you more
The Goddess is Coming: Celebrating 'Navratri' 9 Nights of Feminine Grace and Power
The Vedic festival of Navratri celebrates the Divine Mother as Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, who are said to descend to the earth plane through moon rays, to destroy negativity and instill dharma and power in the hearts of all humans who revere HER. Join Acharya Shunya, Vedic Scholar and Author of Roar Like A Goddess, as she unpacks her festival memories along with rituals and practices
Colonial Trauma, Feminist Roar and Staking the Goddess Claim
Embracing the Inner Druga represents confidently riding the lion of colonialism, patriarchy and misogyny in the modern context, and becoming, not only defiant but invincible in your divine, goddess blessed life. In this power filled episode, Vedic scholar and lineage holder Acharya Shunya shares about her progressive Vedic roots, her first feminine lineage - ancestor and what will happen when all
What's the Deal with Goddesses, Mangos And Handbags!
Goddess Lakshmi can be experienced in a myriad of ways but does it include material goodies like mangoes and handbags too? Acharya Shunya says an unapologetic yes and shares the importance of aligning our human spiritual goals with our material desires to not only be celebrated and holy but truly passionately whole.
Come Roar Like A Goddess With Me
In this episode, Vedic scholar, author and teacher Acharya Shunya unpacks what it means to roar like a goddess and why learning to roar is important for anyone who wants to lead a more empowered life. She talks about her newest book on this episode and discusses its sixteen pointed wisdom, applicable for all modern seekers of power, prosperity and peace.
Ending Suffering Through the Five Pillars of Vedic Awakening
Vedic scholar and bestselling author Acharya Shunya has interpreted the ancient Vedic tradition to create her unique teaching on the five pillars of awakening. In this podcast, she provides step by step insight on the five pillars that help counteract existential suffering, from the root. Listening to her wisdom shall awaken new spiritual perspectives and activate the abiding light of wisdom withi
Living The 7 Blessings of Human experience
In this episode Acharya Shunya interviews Simran, a soul friend, and a professional colleague who is a publisher of 11:11 Magazine and host of 11:11 Talk Radio, who is releasing the first of her trilogy of powerful books on self-realization - LIVING: The 7 Blessings of Human Experience. Enjoy this fascinating conversation as Acharya Shunya and Simran discuss light found by descending into the
Suffering in Samsara and Accessing The Mother Goddesses
In this hope inspiring episode, Vedic Master Acharya Shunya explains "Samsara", literally, a never-ending ocean of repeated births and deaths in a realm of impermanence, transience and loss. Samsara imposes a chronic sense of sorrow, apprehension, disappointment and anxiety. However, each of the three chief Vedic goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, support, stabilize and liberate us from Samsa
The Divinely Empty Self and Mantra on Inner Light.
In this beautiful episode, Acharya Shunya takes listeners on a journey of her name 'Shunya' which means 'zero' as well as 'infinity' and why it is important to connect to inner emptiness for infinite spiritual fullness in our daily life roles. She chants a highly regarded Vedic mantra celebrating our True Being as Light Divine (Atma Jyoti) and shares about the Paradigm that is making people sover
Spirit Take Over: When Your Soul Intervenes to Change Your Destiny
Have you ever been surprised by your spiritual intuition and sudden emergence of soulful inner knowingness that when allowed to direct your choices, changes the direction of your entire life? In this episode, master spiritual teacher, lineage holder and bestselling author Acharya Shunya explores this phenomenon and shares the four different episodes of her own life, when Spirit Took Over and chang
Intentional Communication and Guru's Grace
In this episode Acharya Shunya explains the nature of intentional truth bearing communication and how it is connected to an ancient five-part definition of Yoga from the 4th century. She explains the role of a truth enabling Guru in any seekers life, and celebrates the birth of her Guru, Baba Ayodhya Nath, 122 years ago.
Sacred Transformation Story: Awaken Your Sovereign Self
Vedic wisdom awakens the sovereign self and our capacity to heal. Guest student Mara Cummings shares her story of transformation from chronic digestive issues, anxiety, and depression to wellness of mind, body, and spirit. Acharya Shunya gifts us alchemical teachings on vāsanā, addiction to sense desires, and the path toward freedom through empowered imagination. She inspires listeners to exercise
Sacred Transformation Story: Discover Your Inner Sanctuary
Listen for an episode of powerful, heartfelt exchange with Acharya Shunya and guest student, Heather Davis. This second episode of the Sacred Transformation Series reorients the spirit from trauma victim to the real Self. Acharya Shunya invites the soul into radical wholeness (purnam) and contentment from within - our inner sanctuary in a world of suffering.
Shadow of Fear: Solidarity with our Asian-American Sisters and Brothers
On March 16, 2021, a series of mass shootings occurred in Atlanta, Georgia where eight people were killed, six of whom were Asian women. Hate crimes against Asian-Americans have risen dramatically since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Acharya Shunya expresses her views, discusses what is identity, and shares timeless Vedic wisdom to cope with difficult times. Shadow to Self stands in solidarit
Sacred Transformation Story: You are not your obstacles!
You are not your obstacles! Listen to witness raw, vulnerable conversations with Acharya Shunya and her students on our new Sacred Transformation Series. Acharya Shunya shares loving wisdom to Ozlem Tokman, an author, mother and Vedic spiritual seeker, about overcoming obstacles on the spiritual path by recalling our true divine nature - the knower within the actor. Shunya talks about how to maste
Befriend Your Shadow: Homage to Baba Ayodhya Nath
A true Guru opens the doorway for timeless wisdom and inner peace as a living example. We honor Baba Ayodhya Nath, Acharya Shunya's guru and grandfather, in this powerful episode as homage for his 121st birthday. Listen to discover how to befriend the shadow, how to find a qualified spiritual teacher in a world often beset with the shadow of teachers, and also explore Acharya Shunya's reflections
Trauma to Truth with Special Guest Felicia Tomasko
What is the message of the shadow? In this episode, Felicia Tomasko discusses how to navigate our emotional and worldly shadows in the human body. She shares her personal story of healing breast cancer through breath and mantra of service. Felicia is a registered nurse, Ayurveda & yoga teacher at YogaGlo and LMU Extension, Editor in Chief at LA Yoga Magazine, and spiritual seeker. Listen to this
UNBOUND - Claim your Freedom today
Happy Divali / New Year - Access your Inner Light
A special episode, for Divali. In this episode, Acharya Shunya, delves into the spiritual and mythological significance of Divali. This is a magical podcast, with a special meditation. Tune in, and be ready to taken on a inner journey to joy! May the year usher in peace, good health & unity for all being on Earth.
Self Transformation, the Yogic way. A special interview with Dr. Chris Chapple
Chris' spiritual journey and initiation to yoga, began in adolescence. His deep commitment to his Guru, his Yogic studies and practises, supported his transformation. His presence and contributions to society, are a direct result of his sincerity and inner work. This episode is filled with insights - on the benefits of consistency and opening up to your inner world, having faith in the Divine and
An Intimate Interview with Philip Goldberg - Bestselling author of American Veda.
In this delightful and engaging episode, Acharya Shunya introduces us to Philip Goldberg, bestselling author of American Veda & Spiritual Practice for Crazy Times. In this interview, we get an intimate glimpse into Phil's life, and his shadow integration work. The central message of his new book is "equanimity" - how to maintain and cultivate it. For more information, visit PhilipGoldberg.com.
Wholeness - That is who you are!
Part 2: A Return to Joy! Special Guest Richard Miller's Journey to Awakening
In this rich 2-part podcast Acharya Shunya interviews iRest founder, Richard Miller. The focus of this interview is on Richard's personal journey as a seeker, as a professional and as a soul on a journey to awakening. Richard is a world-renowned spiritual teacher, author, yogic scholar and clinical psychologist. Richard's journey is mystical and communal. His insights and gifts are innumerable. To
Part 1: A Return to Joy! Special Guest Richard Miller's Journey to Awakening
In this rich 2-part interview, Acharya Shunya interviews iRest founder, Richard Miller. The focus of this interview is on Richard's personal journey as a seeker, as a professional and as soul on a journey to awakening. Richard is a world-renowned spiritual teacher, author, yogic scholar and clinical psychologist. Richard's journey is mystical and communal. His insights and gifts are innumerable.
Truth Will Set You Free
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, who gave the concept of Satyagraha (truth in action) to the world, MLK and John Lewis who brought Satyagraha to the American civil disobedience movement, Acharya Shunya takes Satyagraha to a new level. She shows us how Satyagraha can be applied to daily life, particularly in relationships and communication, and how Satyagraha is connected to the non-dual vision of onene
Spiritual Ethics & Wealth Creation - with Special Guest Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
In this episode, Acharya Shunya introduces Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian and they continue to discuss the 4 Universal Goals, as well as her latest book, The Jewel of Abundance. Listeners will takeaway how to bring in higher consciousness into their everyday lives - especially towards wealth creation - and live in peace and harmony, supporting their journey from Shadow to Self.
The 4 Universal Goals in Life
In this episode, Acharya Shunya walks us through 4 universal goals that are worth pursuing. These are known as Purusharthas. With this strategic roadmap, Acharya Shunya provides the listener, on how to live a balanced and wiser life, in the realm of truth and reality. The first goal that she highlights is Dharma (the cultivation of a higher consciousness), and valuing your "true" self, which benef
Positive Thinking cannot solve all your problems (Part 2)
In this episode, Acharya Shunya builds upon "truth thoughts." She advises on not labeling a situation as good or bad. She expounds upon a teaching by Sage Patanjali, from his text Yoga Sutras - "if the mind is harassed by thoughts - terribly negative or overtly positive, then one should cultivate the opposite thought, to bring the situation into balance," thereby creating an opening of acceptance,
Positive Thinking cannot solve all your problems. (Part 1)
In this episode, Shunya reminds us of who we are. She debunks the myth that positive thinking fixes all problems. She provides us with an alternative - Truth thoughts. She guides us towards relaxing into the "isness" of what is. In this acceptance lies reality. She spotlights the inner workings of the shadow, and how it focuses upon negative thoughts and magnification. On the other extreme, the s
Our Brother - George Floyd
A special tribute to George Floyd. In this episode, Acharya Shunya discusses the emotion of anger and sheds light on how we as a species have failed in seeing beyond the color of our skins. She further elaborates on how far we've come in terms of science, but how limited we've been in terms of making life safe for all humans. She guides us through healthy and unhealthy anger – and provides us wit
Enlightened Vulnerability – Hope amidst Hopelessness
Acharya Shunya talks about being whole and coming into a relationship with the Shadow and the Self. Being human means accepting the co-existence of the appearance and the truth – this phenomenon she calls "Enlightened Vulnerability." She instructs us not to blame our Shadow, and that the Shadow tends to perpetuate itself – till we infuse it with the Truth. She re-stresses the importance of discer
Shadow Separates, Soul Unites.
Acharya Shunya sets the stage by defining the state of our current experience – lost and caught in narratives of victimhood. The shadow, which exists in the mind, gets conditioned over time. Slowly, the mind loses connection with the true self – soul. She shares her own experience with this podcast, and how her shadow tried to take over. However, with some reflection, and utilization of her non-d
Time to Quarantine your Ego
Acharya Shunya begins the episode in a human manner - she's caught up in the night, in the courtroom of her mind. Sound familiar? Yes, this is because we tend to fall into the experience of the Ahamkara (Sanskrit for Ego) - the storymaker. With Vedic wisdom embedded in her being, Shunya takes an observer stance and recognizes exactly what is going on. She is able to put an end to the posturing
Introducing: Shadow to Self with Acharya Shunya
Join master spiritual teacher and best-selling author, Acharya Shunya on her new show, Shadow to Self. She'll help you understand the universal coexistence of light and darkness within each and every one of us, share real-life stories, and explore concepts surrounding non-dual spirituality, relationships, existential question marks, consciousness, karma, dharma, moksha and more. She will also have
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