Escaping Samsara

In today's episode, we dive into the transformative journey of renowned yoga teacher Eddie Stern. Over the last three years, Eddie has radically altered his approach to practicing asanas, moving away from the Ashtanga practice that defined his teaching to embrace a path of growth and exploration. He embarked on a journey of incorporating new asanas and adjusting sequences, eventually leaving behind old structures entirely in favor of his own asana and pranayama experiments. We speak to about his new realization: that he no longer practices or desires to practice as he once did and we explore how he has recaptured the curiosity and joy that initially drew him to yoga. Eddie's experience sheds light on the fluid nature of practice and the importance of being present and aware in the face of change. Join us as we explore Eddie's evolution, the challenges of maintaining "my practice," and how to find what truly serves us. Eddie's website: https://eddiestern.com/ Yoga Sangraha: https://eddiestern.com/weekly-class/ The Breathing App: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/the-breathing-app/id1285982210 Escaping Samsara: https://escaping-samsara.com/ Some mentions in this episode: Liked this interview? Leave us a review!

The latest bookclub episode from Escaping Samsara podcast. This time Nathan is joined by Oliver Crossley A.K.A the Yogic Physio (@yogicphysio on Instagram) to discuss Christopher Wallis' book "Near Enemies of the Truth." Join us as we dissect key themes, share reflections, and discuss Wallis' take on watered down spirituality and lame platitudes. Whether you're reading along for the first time or revisiting the book with fresh eyes, this episode is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to truly seek a the Truth. From the book's description: Have you ever been told, “You create your own reality”? Have you been encouraged to “be your best self” or “follow your bliss”? Nowadays these slogans are everywhere, but what if they’re doing more harm than good? After over thirty years as a scholar-practitioner of meditation and Tantric philosophy, acclaimed author Christopher Wallis (also known as Hareesh) explores the most widespread distortions of spiritual teachings present in our world today. Rooted in the Asian wisdom traditions, Wallis’s book uncovers why these oft-heard platitudes are “near enemies” to the truth, often detour us off the spiritual path, and can even cause unnecessary suffering.

One of my favorite episodes so far! In which we discussed many of my favorite subjects: perennialism and blending traditions, issues with exporting Asian traditions to the west, diet, esoteric yoga, and how magick forms an enriching part of both our practices. Our guest is Yogacharya Craig Williams, practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine, Vedic Sciences, Gnostic Spirituality, and Martial Arts. He is also the author of Entering the Desert, Cult of Golgotha, and Tantric Physics Vol. I & 2, as well as numerous articles on health, martial arts, and authentic initiation in the Kali Yuga. Craig Williams is an ordained Bishop (Tau Lazarus) with Apostolic Succession. He has a private medical practice in Austin specializing in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda, Yoga, and Jyotish. He is the recipient of the prestigious Vedakovid and Yogacharya titles awarded by Vamadeva Shastri and the American Institut of Vedic Studies. More information about Craig can be found at: www.ayurvedaaustin.com and his blog: https://arisearjuna.wordpress.com

In this enlightening new episode, we delve deep into Buddhism. Join us as we welcome Ven. Sampanno, a long-term Buddhist monk, for an insightful discussion on the differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. In this episode, Ven. Sampanno will shed light on the unique philosophies, practices, and historical contexts of these two major Buddhist traditions. Understand the nuanced perspectives each brings to the spiritual path and how they shape the practice and beliefs of their followers. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of Buddhism with Ven. Sampanno on Escaping Samsara Podcast. Tune in to explore the rich tapestry of Buddhist thought and practice.

Nathan is joined by Marc Kate and Chad Lott from "Scary Thoughts Podcast" to discuss Eckhart Tolle's "The Power of Now." Unless you've been stuck in a Twitter flame war for the last 20 years, you will know about Tolle's bestselling spiritual treatise. But is it a classic or a self-help rip off? We discuss the book, it's flaws and strengths and come to some new conclusions. We also discover Marc and Chad's meditation practices, the effect of nihilism and find out what Eckhart Tolle and Charles Manson have in common http://scarythoughts.org/ https://failingforms.bandcamp.com/album/00

Welcome to the realm of real Hatha Yoga, where yogis use the body as a tool to transcend the body. For this episode, we're honored to introduce Shandor Remete, also known as Sundernath, a master practitioner whose life has been steeped in yoga from his earliest days in Hungary. An initiate of the revered Kanpatha Hatha Yogins, Shandor embodies the legacy of yoga luminaries Sri Gorakhnath and Sri Matsyendranath. Today, he stands as a custodian of Tantrik Hatha Yoga, imparting the wisdom that traces back to the earliest forms of yoga. Join us as we unravel the layers of this transformative practice with a yogi who has dedicated his life to the pursuit of this knowledge. We discuss: https://shadowyoga.com/

Welcome to a special bookclub episode of Escaping Samsara, where we delve into the profound teachings of Chogyam Trungpa's classic, "Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism." In this episode, we're thrilled to host Ty Landrum, an esteemed yoga teacher known for his insightful and deeply rooted understanding of Eastern and Western philosophy. We discuss the concept of spiritual materialism, the tendency to see spirituality as a means to enhance our ego rather than to dissolve it. And Ty discusses how to apply these teachings on the mat and in daily life, helping us to navigate our spiritual journey with more awareness and authenticity. This episode isn't just for avid readers or seasoned practitioners. It's for anyone curious about the intersection of yoga, Buddhism, and the journey towards true self-awareness. Whether you're new to these concepts or a long-time follower of Trungpa's work, you'll find fresh perspectives and thoughtful discussions to inspire your practice. https://www.tylandrum.com/

Lovers of technical yoga talk rejoice! In this extraordinarily geeky interview Gregor sheds light on nuances of pranayama and meditation practices described in great detail in his books. We also talk about his most recent book about the Map of Transformative States and get a glimpse into the upcoming work with a fascinating discussion on mudras. This is a great interview for everyone going deeper into the higher limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Show notes To find out more about Gregor's teaching, learning materials, courses and in-depth blog article visit https://8limbs.com/ Check out new books by Gregor Maehle: CHAKRAS, DRUGS AND EVOLUTION: A Map of Transformative States "How To Find Your Life's Divine Purpose: Brain software for a new civilization"

It’s easy to get caught up in the intellectual debates of spirituality, or spending hours creating exalted states of consciousness, but the actual effects of all this practice are borne out in your everyday life and nowhere is that more apparent then in your intimate relationships. Marriage is an interesting thing from a spiritual perspective. It could be an excuse to end your practice and focus on “real life”. Or it could be something you use your practice to escape from. Both of these pitfalls deny the chance to use “relationship yoga” as a tool to bring about lasting changes, reduced suffering, and the embodiment of deep wisdom. To help us understand this, we speak to Mark Usher, a men’s coach, who has made marriage his main life practice.

David Garrigues has been practicing Hatha Yoga, specializing in advanced Ashtanga Vinyasa for about 30 years. Few people understand the rigors and challenges of long-term asanas practices as deeply. As a fellow vinyasa enthusiast, and keen meditator, I've long been fascinated by the overlap between the two and how much asana practice can be considered a meditation in and of itself -- and not just a preparation. In our discussion, we look closely at the integration between medieval Hatha Yoga and its modern forms, how long-term practice challenges your faith, and the struggle between defining, and leaving things unsaid. Check out David's new book: Ashtanga Yoga Vinyasa here

This is a companion episode to our "Ashtanga and Fatherhood" episode. We're talking about how yoga practice changes for women after pregnancy and in the years of child-rearing. We talk about the challenges of physical recovery and the requirements of emotional labor. How time is the essential factor, and how we witness time can change everything.

Today, we sit down with Rich Ray, a seasoned practitioner of meditation and director of Ashtanga Yoga Portland Maine (and also creator of some dope Instagram visuals @richrayyoga) With over 25 years of Zen and Ashtanga experience, Rich’s commitment to self-discovery and inner peace led him on a transformative path as a resident monk at a silent monastery four years. During this profound period of self-reflection, he cultivated profound insights that continue to influence his life and teachings. As well as founding his studio, Rich also taught yoga and meditation at state prisons in California and New Hampshire and started a meditation program at a women’s county jail in Boston, Massachusetts. In our chat we discuss:

In this episode, we try to find out if the yogis and the Buddhists are describing the same thing when they talk about Samadhi. Are the paths aiming at the same experience but using different language to talk about it? Or are there deeper differences? To find out, we host a conversation between Gregor Maehle and Leigh Brasington who practice and teach deep Samadhi meditations from the yogic and Buddhist schools, respectively.

MC Owens is a Buddhist teacher, translator, and author who uses a sutra-based curriculum to teach the history, philosophy, and practices of Buddhism. He has taught in universities, colleges, monasteries, and a variety of unique venues including museums, teahouses and nightclubs. Through Lotus Underground, MC Owens offers courses and private study, and is building the Lotus Underground School of Buddhism, which will combine traditional methods with immersive technologies to provide resources and develop innovative approaches to the study of Buddhism. He is also a teacher for the San Francisco Dharma Collective, where he currently hosts Dharma Doors, a Sunday evening gathering that brings sutras to life through recitation, translation, humor, and storytelling. MC Owens' dharma talks, sutra recitations and deep dives into Buddhist texts can be found on the Lotus Underground soundcloud and youtube. He is also the author of the historical fiction novel, A Sacrifice of Monks

A little Ashtanga episode for your ear holes! Nothing I like better than a fine and geeky Ashtanga-based chat and what a privilege to do so with the raconteur himself, Russell Case. Russell has been practicing and teaching Ashtanga yoga for more than 25 years. A humble and refined teacher, he was given Authorization by Pattabhi Jois in 2005. Case is known for his joking spirit, and his perpetual eye toward social justice work. When Pattabhi Jois invited him to his pranayama class in 2007, he considered this distinction to be the highest grade. Russell co-hosts the Finding Harmony Podcast with Harmony Slater which is one of my favourite yoga podcasts and if you like Ashtanga you should check them out

Shaila Catherine is the founder of Insight Meditation South Bay, a meditation group in Silicon Valley, and also Bodhi Courses, an online Buddhist classroom. She has been practicing meditation since 1980, with more than nine years of accumulated silent retreat experience. She has taught since 1996 in the USA, and internationally. Shaila studied with several Asian masters in India, Thailand, and Nepal, including H. W. L. Poonja, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, and Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, in addition to the founders of several western meditation centers including Christopher Titmuss and Joseph Goldstein. She completed a one-year intensive meditation retreat with the focus on concentration and jhana, and authored Focused and Fearless: A Meditator’s Guide to States of Deep Joy, Calm, and Clarity. Shaila practiced under the guidance of Venerable Pa-Auk Sayadaw from 2006-2015, and authored Wisdom Wide and Deep: A Practical Handbook for Mastering Jhana and Vipassana to help make this traditional approach to meditative training accessible to western practitioners. In 2014, Shaila founded Bodhi Courses to develop and offer teachings in an online classroom.

Stu Girling is a yoga teacher, anatomy expert and author. He runs Love Yoga Anatomy online and on Youtube, and is the author of Illustrated Yoga Anatomy book. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions about yoga, ashtanga, avoiding injury and maintaining healthy bodies. We asked questions such as: Find more from Stu https://loveyogaanatomy.com/ Stu's book: https://illustratedyogaanatomy.com/

There’s been a lot said and written about the changes female yogis go through when they become mothers. Now, for the first time, we discuss Ashtanga Yoga and fatherhood. Our guests, Mark Robberds, Prem Carlisi, and Scott Johnson have about 80 years of practice and teaching experience between them, close to 100 if you include me. Mark and I are new fathers, Scott Johnson’s kids are teenagers, and Prem is a grandfather. It was really special to sit with a group of men and learn about realising the goals of yoga in family life. Show Notes Check out our guests online! https://www.markrobberds.com https://www.markrobberds.com/ https://stillpoint.yoga/ https://www.ashtangayogabali.com/

Ben Goresky is a counsellor, coach, and explorer of consciousness. He is involved in addiction recovery and working with men as part of the Samurai Brotherhood. He also teaches counscious relationship training, a modern take on the old yoga of coupling. Show notes Nathan and Ben are both recovered addicts and share deeply about abuse, drug addiction, and recovery. They delve into the spiritual practices that have helped Ben and Nathan on their journey to recovery and get into the spiritual power of "men's work" - a worldwide movement to support and heal the masculine. Find out more about Ben's coaching and online trainings here: https://evolvingman.com/

Ash Hope is a Brisbane-based Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga teacher and a student of Nancy Gilgoff. Her fascination about the body’s self-healing abilities led her to study CranioSacral therapy with the Upledger Institute in Singapore. Ash explores the practice of meditation in the Zen tradition and teaches traditional Mysore style classes in her shala in Fortitude Valley in Brisbane. Show notes Visit https://www.ashtangayogacentre.com.au/ to find out more about Ash and her teaching schedul