Breaking Trail
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Breaking Trail episodes

  • #98 – Vegetarian vs Carnivore: The Full Picture

    Today we get real about food, health, and spirituality. We dig into the biological reasons why humans are built for a vegetarian diet, the trouble meat and dairy cause our bodies, and how our choices affect our mind and consciousness. We also open up about karma, the spiritual effects of eating meat, and why compassionate living is key for going deeper spiritually.

    Let’s take a deep dive into how our diet shapes our wellbeing. Not just physically, but also mentally and spiritually. We explore why the human body is truly designed for plant-based foods, how what we eat affects our gut, our brain, even our state of mind. 

    We look at the karmic and ethical impacts of meat eating, and why going vegetarian or vegan aligns with a life of compassion and sustainability. If you want to optimize your health, uplift your consciousness, and move forward spiritually, what you put on your plate matters.

    This talk was inspired by “Carnivore vs Vegan Simplified” by Markus Rothkranz, available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJdMRxYH0wA

    Highlights:

    • (1:42) The human body is made for a vegetarian diet
    • (10:04) Why meat gets putrid in the digestive channel
    • (15:12) Look at the jaw: we’re herbivores by design
    • (21:46) The yoga diet works
    • (26:54) If you kill an animal, that animal will kill you in the future
    • (30:41) Balakhilya’s younger years as a hunter: you can’t be soft-hearted and eat meat
    • (45:29) “But I got to eat meat because I like that taste”
    • (48:30) So what about milk and milk products?
    • (57:40) Organic is definitely better from every angle
    • Recorded on April 18, 2025.

      https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

      1 hr 4 min
    • #97 – “I Thought Religion Was Irrelevant to Me. I Was Wrong.”

      “Millions are like me when it comes to religion: well-educated and successful people for whom religion has been irrelevant. We grew up in secular households or drifted away from the faiths in which we were raised and never looked back. For them, I think I have a story worth telling.”

      The search for deeper meaning isn’t just for those who are struggling—it’s a powerful drive for the most successful among us. Drawing from the story of social scientist Charles Murray, we unpack why curiosity, purpose, and spiritual questioning are essential, even when life seems secure.

      We discuss everything from near-death experiences to a purpose-driven living and show how true growth starts when you seek beyond what’s comfortable.

      Stay curious, keep seeking, and let that drive lead you to real fulfillment.

      Highlights:

      • (03:58) Is religion only for the weak, the poor and the dumb?
      • (08:13) Why something rather than nothing? 
      • (10:49) Compare the downsides of being wrong about religion to the upsides of being right about it
      • (14:57) Near-death experiences: consciousness beyond the body
      • (18:34) So what is consciousness?
      • (27:03) Atheism is a societal experiment
      • (30:37) Generation Z now seeks spiritual purpose
      • (33:43) Be a true seeker, not a groupie who just goes along
      • (36:22) Gold diggers in California
      • (40:36) The journey is an eternal journey, and it will only make your life happier
      • Recorded on November 11, 2025.

        https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

        53 min
      • #96 – Turning Biological Bonds into Nourishing Soul Connections

        Today we dig into what really separates material and spiritual relationships. We discuss how most family ties are based on karma and material comfort, but real spiritual connection means seeing the soul within—and helping those we love connect to the ultimate shelter, not just ourselves. We get personal about family, searching for shelter, and what makes a real spiritual family.

        Highlights:

        • (2:46) What is a material relationship?
        • (7:22) Why the divorce rates are skyrocketing
        • (14:20) How the modern age is destroying the family structure
        • (18:46) Faith and family influence
        • (25:04) “Family” doesn’t have to include a biological connection 
        • (30:45) Vedic family structure
        • (35:39) How to move forward despite having had a difficult upbringing
        • Recorded on February 1, 2023.

          https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

          44 min
        • #95 – Playing God & Society’s Collapse

          Today we get real about why the world seems so upside down—with everything from artificial wombs to self-centered, corrupt politics. 

          We share our thoughts on society’s “playing God” complex and the loss of spiritual values, talk Matrix-like dystopias, and offer a personal antidote: daily meditation, prayer, and reconnecting with the divine within.

          It’s all about making space for meaning—one quiet moment at a time.

          Highlights:

          • (0:57) Those who play God create womb factories
          • (11:08) The human race is a race of “sheeple”
          • (16:22) I have to take care of my own life
          • (22:48) This is not the first time the world is going in the wrong direction 
          • (30:41) Don’t think it’s hopeless
          • Recorded on December 14, 2022.

            https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

            41 min
          • #94 – When the Heart Won’t Move On

            How can I move on after a breakup? And should I in the first place?

            Today we tackle the challenging crossroads of relationships—especially when breakups, children, and lingering emotions are involved. We explore whether it’s possible to combine material desires with spiritual growth. And we talk about how looking for the perfect partner is really not in our best interest.

            With wisdom from spiritual traditions and honest dialogue, this episode offers guidance for anyone questioning whether to stay, to go, or how to move forward with integrity and purpose. Join us as we discover what it means to nurture real love over fleeting attraction, and learn how reconnecting with spirituality can illuminate the path through even the most tangled relationship crossroads.

            Highlights:

            • 0:59 Distraction of material love blocks our spiritual development
            • 10:53 Should I stay or should I I go?
            • 18:03 Put your spiritual life first
            • 29:10 Looking for a soulmate
            • 42:48 Marriage is a cornerstone of any society
            • Recorded on August 13, 2022.

              https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

              59 min
            • #93 – Traveling, Seeking, and Finding Answers – with Neil and Bella

              We sit down with our guests Neil and Bella for an inspiring journey through travel, transformation, and spiritual self-discovery. Neil and Bella share their story of meeting on an Israeli kibbutz, seeking alternative lifestyles across continents, and ultimately stumbling upon the Bhakti yoga tradition that would radically reshape their lives. 

              From running up and down outdoor steps to finding discipline and joy in daily routines, the conversation explores how regular practice, association, and open-hearted seeking can help anyone—from outdoor adventurers to spiritual “seekers”—find meaning and connection in a busy world.

              Whether you’re just starting your journey or have been walking the path for years, this warm, relatable conversation offers both guidance and inspiration for anyone looking to deepen their practice or just curious about what it means to live a more intentional, spiritually connected life.

              Highlights:

              • (2:39) Regularity 
              • (9:31) How Neil & Bella met at a Israeli kibbutz
              • (24:27) The prophecy of the horse whisperer
              • (37:11) Living in an ashram in Hawaii and eventually meeting Balakhilya
              • (52:16) Use whatever inclinations and talents you have in your spiritual journey
              • Recorded on November 23, 2022.

                https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

                1 hr 11 min
              • #92 – Why Civilizations Collapse

                What actually caused the downfall of the great civilizations this Earth has seen? In 1934, social anthropologist J.D. Unwin made a vigorous scientific attempt to answer this question. 

                He studied 86 different cultures, including the Roman, Greek, Sumerian, Arabian, Babylonian and Anglo-Saxon civilizations. He had expected to find that monogamy had no real influence on these cultures. But by the end of his study, Unwin came to a much different conclusion.

                He found that throughout history in nearly every civilization, sexual license and the decline of monogamy lead to irreversible societal collapse within just three generations.

                Tune in to hear us break down his findings and explain them through the lens of the yoga wisdom.

                Highlights:

                • (0:59) Why make decisions in life that are against the trend? Because it’s better for you.
                • (8:59) Summarizing Unwin’s study; when sexual restraints disappear, so do rational thinking
                • (22:45) Marriage is what holds the powerful force of lust at bay, but more and more people just want to be able to “lick the icing off the cake” and then move on
                • (33:30) Balakhilya witnessed the sex and drugs revolution of the 60’s and saw the consequences of a “whatever feels good” mentality
                • (46:10) The more knowledge we have, the better our choices will be—for the well-being of everyone
                • Recorded on November 12, 2022.

                  https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

                  47 min
                • #91 – Avoid Manipulation, See the Wolves

                  The truth is, we can’t stop being sheep. We are naturally inclined to follow a higher authority. So how can I navigate the terrain of spiritual life without being manipulated or used? How can I see the wolves for what they are, and how can I find a proper shepherd?

                  Today we discuss the concept of “sheep” and “wolves” in both societal and spiritual contexts. We explore the natural human tendency to follow leaders and the risks that come with it. You’ll hear how according to the Vedas, a qualified spiritual guide is essential—but we are surrounded by deceptive leaders or “wolves in sheep’s clothing”. Manipulation occurs in politics, media, and even spiritual communities. And so we need to develop a sincere, cautious discernment rather than blind acceptance. True spiritual teachers never exploit, as they are genuinely fulfilled and act only out of care. And a genuine follower remains humble, always seeking guidance rather than striving for independence or superiority.

                  Ultimately, what we need is to cultivate awareness, deepen our connection to the Supreme, and rely on authentic sources of wisdom and inner guidance to avoid being misled.

                  Highlights:

                  • (1:02) “What the great man does, the common man follows”
                  • (11:39) Manipulation within spiritual communities
                  • (19:33) Behind the candy coated talks, there's really an agenda
                  • (27:04) Without a teacher, you can’t grow strong enough to resist being manipulated
                  • (36:50) We really can’t be independent
                  • (42:00) A true teacher doesn't teach a sectarian belief system, he teaches the Absolute Truth
                  • Recorded on May 23, 2022.

                    https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

                    58 min
                  • #90 – Go Beyond Positive Thinking

                    Is the glass half full, or half empty? The truth is, we won’t really be happy regardless of how we see it. Until and unless we start addressing our true needs, as the spiritual beings we are. We should start seeing life as it truly is—accepting both the good and the bad without dramatization.

                    Today we dive deep into the realities of life and the spiritual journey ahead of us. You’ll hear a heartfelt story about a friend diagnosed with ALS, that shows the importance of spiritual growth over worldly pleasures. We discuss how people often rely on positive thinking or temporary fixes when facing hardships, while true resilience comes from a realistic approach.

                    Highlights:

                    • (5:44) Balakhilya buys rose-colored glasses
                    • (15:15) Better laugh than cry - but there’s another option
                    • (23:04) Sometimes difficulty is just what we need
                    • (31:06) The world is designed to be imperfect
                    • (36:10) We need to develop a higher taste
                    • Recorded on December 12, 2022.

                      https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

                      48 min
                    • #89 – Jesus, the Prince of Peace

                      A compassionate heart, purified from greed and anger, naturally seeks to care for others and foster peace. As Jesus himself said, “The kingdom of God is within you”.

                      Today we reflect on Jesus' teachings - particularly the concept of loving one's enemies. Jesus himself wasn’t a promoter of divisive labels, such as religion, but rather a representative of divine truth. We should remember that “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

                      With this we wish all our listeners a very Merry Christmas. We hope that you will always be able to learn, grow, and embody Jesus’ message of love for God and love for all other sentient beings.

                      Highlights:

                      • (5:27) You are a spiritual, not a material, being
                      • (13:01) Love everyone, including enemies; respect freedom
                      • (31:43) Acceptance of a supreme authority is essential for peace
                      • (41:34) Transcendental intelligence requires knowledge and perspective
                      • (49:23) Santa Claus portrays religion as a fake fantasy
                      • (58:44) Merry Christmas, from Ruben and Balakhilya
                      • Recorded on December 12, 2022.

                        https://linktr.ee/breakingtrail

                        1 hr

                      About Breaking Trail

                      From the publisher's feed

                      No filter, no hidden agenda, just the truth about life - as it is. Breaking Trail is where you, the sincere seeker, can get answers to to life’s most important questions, such as “Who am I?”, “What is the purpose of my life?” and “Does God really exist?”. Our discussions are based on the ancient spiritual teachings of the East, carefully passed down since time immemorial from teacher to student in an unchanged form.