The Indian Wisdom Podcast

Dec 05 2024 46 ep. 34 mins 4

The Indian Wisdom Podcast artwork

Authentic ancient Indian wisdom teachings artfully applied to modern Western life. Grounded in scholarship and infused with live storytelling, this content is informative, entertaining, inspiring. 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's parama-guru. 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. He is also the author of "The Stories Behind the Poses: The Indian Mythology that Inspired 50 Yoga Postures." Instagram: @IndianWisdomSchool YouTube: https://youtube.com/@IndianWisdomPodcast Podcast: https://indianwisdompodcast.com Courses: https://indianwisdomschool.com Personal Website: https://rajbalkaran.com

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Ep 46 Sage Durvāsas: Blessings, Curses and Comfort within Discomfort

Dec 05 2024 30 mins

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 Wis

Ep 45 The Sage with Eight Bends: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice

Nov 28 2024 23 mins

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 lin

Ep 44 The Three Strides: Pride Before the Fall

Nov 21 2024 23 mins

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

Ep 43 Yoga Teacher Training 2.0: An Interview with Jen Goetchius

Nov 14 2024 41 mins

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: http

Ep 42 Meeting Tumultuous Times: Wisdom for the Present Moment

Nov 07 2024 31 mins

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

Ep 41 Decoding Diwali: Lakṣmī, Abundance Incarnate

Oct 31 2024 19 mins

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, seasone

Ep 40 Mental Health Aware Yoga: A Conversation with Dr. Lauren Tober

Oct 24 2024 34 mins

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.lauren

Ep 39 Goddess Glories in Ukrainian: An Interview with Alisa Lozhkina

Oct 17 2024 65 mins

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 "Th

Ep 38 Saving the Earth

Oct 10 2024 22 mins

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

Ep 37 Śiva's Cosmic Dance of Bliss

Oct 03 2024 12 mins

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 fo