• The Kshatriya Warrior's Dharma: Balancing Justice and Compassion
    Feb 16 2025

    Send us a text

    In this thought-provoking episode of A Woman's Gita Podcast, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose delve into the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring the nature of the self and the role of duty and dharma from a feminine perspective.

    Topics discussed include:

    • The elusive nature of understanding the self and the transformative power of deep meditation
    • The mystical experience and its transcendence of traditional religious boundaries
    • The four ashramas (stages of life) and the journey towards self-realization
    • The ethical dilemmas of war and the concept of Kshatriya dharma (the duty of the warrior class)
    • The feminine approach to ethics, emphasizing caregiving and nurturing over strict notions of justice
    • Expanding the definition of motherhood and civic duty to include all women who care for others
    • The broader implications of Kshatriya dharma, including the role of peacekeepers and emergency responders in modern society
    • The importance of ethical reflection and the duty to contribute to the moral and ethical good in the world

    Through their insightful dialogue, Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose offer a fresh and empowering perspective on the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. They invite listeners to explore their own sense of purpose and responsibility in shaping a more compassionate world.

    Show more Show less
    55 mins
  • Reincarnation and the Art of Letting Go: A Feminine Exploration
    Feb 2 2025

    Send us a text

    Join hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose as they explore the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita from a modern, feminine perspective. In this thought-provoking podcast, "A Woman's Gita," they delve into the ancient text's profound insights on the nature of the self, the relationship between spirit and matter, and the path to inner peace and liberation. Through engaging discussions and personal reflections, they offer a fresh interpretation that resonates with the unique experiences and challenges faced by women in the Western world today.

    In this episode, Nischala and Kamala cover:

    • The Chariot Metaphor and Philosophical Worldview
    • Understanding the Self and Modern Society
    • The Role of Superhuman Deities and Krishna Consciousness
    • Experiences with Life-Threatening Diseases and Reincarnation
    • The Art of Dying and Yoga Practice
    • The Eternal Self and Suffering
    • The Role of Women in Spirituality and Intuition
    • The Interconnectedness of Nature and Spirit
    • The Power of Meditation and Introspection
    • Empowerment and the Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita
    Show more Show less
    47 mins
  • Balancing Pleasure and Pain: Insights from Chapter 2 of the Gita
    Jan 19 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi continue their deep dive into Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring some of the most profound and transformative verses in this foundational chapter.

    Key topics covered in this episode include:

    • The importance of maintaining balance and equanimity in the face of pleasure and pain, as discussed in verse 215
    • The nature of the self (Atman) as eternal, unchanging, and distinct from the temporary physical body, as elucidated in verses 16-18
    • The mystical insights of the Upanishads and how they are woven into the Gita's teachings on the true nature of the self
    • The role of yoga practice in cultivating the witness-consciousness that allows us to transcend the dualities of the material world
    • Practical examples and personal anecdotes that illuminate the Gita's teachings on death, rebirth, and the immortality of the soul
    • The importance of studying the lives and realizations of realized sages and saints, such as Ramana Maharshi, to deepen our understanding of the Gita's wisdom

    Throughout the discussion, Kamala and Nischala offer their unique perspectives as experienced yoga teachers, drawing upon their decades of practice and study to shed light on the profound and transformative teachings of this timeless text.
    Whether you are new to the Gita or a seasoned student, this episode promises to deepen your understanding of the nature of the self and the path of yoga as a means of transcending the suffering inherent in the human condition.

    Show more Show less
    49 mins
  • The Chariot of the Self: Unpacking the Metaphor at the Heart of the Bhagavad Gita
    Dec 29 2024

    Send us a text

    This episode focuses on Chapter 2, Sankhya Yoga, of the Bhagavad Gita, starting with verse 14. Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi introduce the verse, which discusses the impermanence of material sensations and dualities like pleasure and pain.

    The hosts explore the metaphor of the chariot, which is a central image in the Gita and Upanishadic texts. They explain how this metaphor represents the relationship between the body, senses, mind, and the true self or Atman.

    Key topics discussed include:

    • The impact of sensory experiences on our psychology and behavior
    • The importance of training and managing the senses through practices like Pratyahara
    • The subjective nature of perception and the need for objectivity
    • Practical advice for maintaining inner peace amidst changing sensations
    • The role of sacred spaces in calming the senses and facilitating spiritual growth

    The hosts provide insightful commentary, drawing from yoga philosophy and their own experiences, to help listeners understand the Gita's teachings on mastering the senses and achieving equanimity.

    Show more Show less
    50 mins
  • Transcending Grief: Exploring the Eternal Self in the Bhagavad Gita
    Dec 8 2024

    Send us a text

    In this episode of A Woman's Gita Podcast, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose delve into the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita as Krishna responds to Arjuna's overwhelming grief and confusion.

    Key topics include:

    • Arjuna's emotional state and Krishna's compassionate guidance
    • The symbolism of the banyan tree and its significance in the Upanishadic tradition
    • The role of silence, meditation, and the teacher-student relationship
    • The concept of the eternal nature of the self, transcending temporary physical existence
    • The cyclical nature of life and death, and the importance of understanding this process
    • Personal experiences and reflections on aging, grief, and the essence that remains constant

    As Nischala and Kamala unpack these profound teachings, listeners will be captivated by the feminine perspective that illuminates the wisdom at the heart of this revered scripture. Whether you are new to the Bhagavad Gita or a seasoned practitioner, this episode offers insights that can deepen your understanding of the eternal essence within us all.
    Join us as we continue our journey through the Bhagavad Gita, discovering the timeless spiritual truths that can guide us through life's challenges and transitions.

    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • Beyond Shaming: Reframing the Warrior's Dharma with Compassion in the Bhagavad Gita
    Nov 17 2024

    Send us a text

    In this episode of A Woman's Gita, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose dive into the opening verses of Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. As the dialogue between the warrior Arjuna and his charioteer Krishna unfolds, we witness Arjuna's profound crisis of conscience. Overwhelmed by despair and confusion, Arjuna expresses his unwillingness to fight against his own kinsmen.

    The hosts explore how Krishna's initial harsh words of shaming and verbal beration towards Arjuna may not resonate with modern spiritual seekers. Instead, Nischala and Kamala reframe Krishna's teachings through a lens of compassion, seeking to understand Arjuna's deep-seated conflict between his duty as a warrior and his heart's aversion to violence.

    The discussion also touches on the crucial role of the teacher, or guru, in the spiritual journey. The hosts share insights on discernment - what qualities to look for in a qualified teacher, and the importance of aligning one's state of mind and readiness with the guidance being offered.

    Throughout the episode, listeners are invited to contemplate the universal themes of dharma, the gunas, and the complexities of the human experience as revealed in this timeless yogic text.

    Show more Show less
    42 mins
  • The Paradox of Violence and Yoga: Reconciling Ahimsa in the Bhagavad Gita
    Oct 27 2024

    Send us a text

    In this episode of A Woman's Gita, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose explore the profound paradox within the Bhagavad Gita—the tension between the violent backdrop of war and the yogic principle of ahimsa, or non-violence.

    Main topics include:

    • The emotional and moral crisis of Arjuna during the Mahabharata war
    • Arjuna's internal conflict as a Kshatriya warrior torn between duty and non-violence
    • The relevance of Arjuna's struggle for spiritual seekers in the modern world
    • The concept of the "dark night of the soul" and its transformative power
    • Navigating violence, compassion, and personal responsibility through the teachings of the Gita
    • Practical insights on balancing ahimsa with real-world complexities
    • Using despair as a catalyst for spiritual growth and resilience
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
  • Humility, Consequences, and the Feminine Lens: Insights into the Gita's Introductory Verses
    Oct 6 2024

    Send us a text

    In this thought-provoking episode of A Women's Gita, hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose explore the profound opening chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, examining the intricate relationships between war, spirituality, and the feminine perspective.

    Main topics in this episode:

    • The challenge of reconciling the Gita's wartime setting with its spiritual teachings
    • The "fight or flight" response that listeners may experience when confronting the Gita's themes
    • Arjuna's personal crisis on the battlefield and its impact on his worldview
    • The exploration of personal and existential fear, including Arjuna's "Dark Night of the Soul"
    • Parallels between Arjuna's struggles and modern-day readers' inner conflicts
    • The significance of cultivating compassion for oneself and those affected by conflict
    • A fresh, feminine interpretation of the Gita's opening verses
    • An invitation to approach the Gita with openness to its complexities and wisdom
    Show more Show less
    47 mins