• Ep 44 The Three Strides: Pride Before the Fall
    Nov 21 2024

    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 author of "The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures” and runs a thriving one-on-one spiritual guidance practice.

    Personal Website: https://rajbalkaran.com

    Courses (Get a 14-day free trial): https://indianwisdomschool.com

    Podcast: https://indianwisdompodcast.com

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    24 mins
  • Ep 43 Yoga Teacher Training 2.0: An Interview with Jen Goetchius
    Nov 14 2024

    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.amazon.com/Ashtanga-Hour-Teacher-Training-Manuals/dp/B0DB8X9C4P

    300 YTT Course Details: https://ashtangahub.com/yoga-teacher-training/300-hour-course

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    42 mins
  • Ep 42 Meeting Tumultuous Times: Wisdom for the Present Moment
    Nov 7 2024

    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 Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures” and runs a thriving one-on-one spiritual guidance practice.

    Personal Website: https://rajbalkaran.com

    Courses (Get a 14-day free trial): https://indianwisdomschool.com

    Podcast: https://indianwisdompodcast.com

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    31 mins
  • Ep 41 Decoding Diwali: Lakṣmī, Abundance Incarnate
    Oct 31 2024

    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 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 Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures” and runs a thriving one-on-one spiritual guidance practice.

    Personal Website: https://rajbalkaran.com

    Courses (Get a 14-day free trial): https://indianwisdomschool.com

    Podcast: https://indianwisdompodcast.com

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    19 mins
  • Ep 40 Mental Health Aware Yoga: A Conversation with Dr. Lauren Tober
    Oct 24 2024

    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.com/

    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 Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures” and runs a thriving one-on-one spiritual guidance practice.

    Personal Website: https://rajbalkaran.com

    Courses (Get a 14-day free trial): https://indianwisdomschool.com

    Podcast: https://indianwisdompodcast.com

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    34 mins
  • Ep 39 Goddess Glories in Ukrainian: An Interview with Alisa Lozhkina
    Oct 17 2024

    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 Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures” and runs a thriving one-on-one spiritual guidance practice.

    Personal Website: https://rajbalkaran.com

    Courses (Get a 14-day free trial): https://indianwisdomschool.com

    Podcast: https://indianwisdompodcast.com

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ep 38 Saving the Earth
    Oct 10 2024

    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 Wisdom School. He is also the author of "The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures” and runs a thriving one-on-one spiritual guidance practice.

    Personal Website: https://rajbalkaran.com
    Courses (Get a 14-day free trial): https://indianwisdomschool.com
    Podcast: https://indianwisdompodcast.com

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    22 mins
  • Ep 37 Śiva's Cosmic Dance of Bliss
    Oct 3 2024

    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 and at The Indian Wisdom School. He is also the author of "The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures” and runs a thriving one-on-one spiritual guidance practice.

    Personal Website: https://rajbalkaran.com
    Courses (Get a 14-day free trial): https://indianwisdomschool.com
    Podcast: https://indianwisdompodcast.com

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    12 mins