What does authentic yoga actually look like? Aru shares her personal checklist for examining the depth, roots, and transmission of your yoga practice and teaching. From lineage and Hinduism to pranic experience, sadhana, primary sources, and knowing what you don’t know, this episode explores why sincerity alone isn’t enough—and how we can move closer to authenticity. Episode Highlights: Feeling authentic versus being authenticWesternization and cultural driftAuthenticity beyond Indian identi...
A closer look at Lakshmi, Saraswati, Durga, Kali, and Parvati—and why these Hindu goddesses cannot be reduced to modern wellness trends, aesthetics, or manifestation tools. Aru explores cultural appropriation, Shakti, devotion, ritual, and what it means to engage with these traditions with greater depth and respect. Episode Highlights: The viral Lakshmi Maxxing trendCultural appropriation in modern yogaHindu goddesses and their symbolismFemale goddesses and divine identityUnderstanding Shakt...
What exactly is a sankalpa, and how is it different from an affirmation, intention, or goal? Medha Bhaskar joins me to explore the deeper meaning of sankalpa, how to discover one that truly resonates, and how it can become a guiding direction for our lives. Episode Highlights: Sankalpa’s meaning and place in yogaSankalpa versus affirmations and intentionsSankalpa versus manifestation and goalsUnderstanding SMART goalsDiscovering a deeper sankalpaHaving one or multiple sankalpasSharing a sank...
What are the bandhas, and why do they play such an important role in Hatha Yoga? Sandra Anderson joins me to explore the physical, energetic, and meditative purpose of Mula Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha, Jalandhara Bandha, and Maha Bandha, along with practical guidance for yoga teachers. Episode Highlights: Meaning and purpose of bandhasBandhas in asana, pranayama, and meditationUnderstanding Mula BandhaMale and female differences in Mula BandhaContraindications for Mula BandhaUnderstanding Uddiya...
Why does Sanskrit place so much importance on sound and pronunciation? I’m joined by Dr. Varun Khanna to explore the stories, philosophy, and history behind Sanskrit, and discuss what modern yoga teachers really need to know about the language. Episode Highlights: Meaning of the word guruSound and vibration in SanskritOrigins of Devanagari scriptSanskrit's role in Indian philosophySound, vibration, and the subtle bodyPronunciation and mantra accuracySanskrit in modern yoga teachingSanskrit a...