Breaking Trail

Imagine choosing between coca cola and freshly pressed sugarcane juice; just like our tastes differ, so do our spiritual paths. Some prefer to relate to the ocean of light or the impersonal path, while others embrace the personal form of the Supreme Lord.

While at first the paths run parallel to each other—recognizing our true identity beyond the physical body and caring for the welfare of all—as we progress, a crucial decision awaits. Will we accept the existence of a Supreme Person or immerse ourselves in the ocean of light?

Guided by the most authoritative yoga texts, namely the Bhavagad-gita, we look at which of these two spiritual paths lead to the highest perfection. We shed light on the rise of impersonalism as a social trend, with common catchphrases such as “We are all one” that often overshadows a deeper understanding of spirituality.

Whether you're a true seeker or a curious observer, join us as we explore the path less traveled in pursuit of spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Highlights:

Recorded on June 26, 2023.

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“I was in a concrete bunker when the world outside exploded in a huge nuclear holocaust. I was watching my relatives and friends melting into the ground around me, and I was completely helpless”

Reflecting on a dream Ruben just had, we dive into the topic of how to actually help others—and how to deal with feelings of insecurity in relation to this world. Many spiritual seekers think that non-attachment is the goal, while Balakhilya explains that it’s quite the opposite.

Yes, material attachments to friends, family and spouse have the power to break our hearts completely. But simultaneously, to actually heal and calm our hearts, we need to cultivate a perfect spiritual consciousness. Because ultimately, the only stability in this unstable world is our loving attachment to the Supreme Power.

Highlights:

Recorded on January 11, 2023.

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Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years, with people of all ages and backgrounds seeking its numerous benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety, increased flexibility and strength, and improved overall health.

But what is the essence of yoga, and its ultimate goal?

In this episode of Breaking Trail, Balakhilya shares his journey towards discovering his true self and finding true happiness through Bhakti yoga. Or more specifically, how he met his spiritual guide and how that changed his entire perspective on life.

You’ll hear us discuss the importance of having an active relationship with the Supreme Soul, and how that differs from the impersonalist teachings that are often mistaken to be the final word of yoga. We delve into the roots and history of yoga, how it became popular in the West, and look at some of its many benefits.

Additionally, we discuss Jesus and his role as a perfect yogi and how following his teachings can lead to a joyful life.

Highlights:

Recorded on June 21, 2022.

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You’ve come to realise that you want to live a more spiritually oriented life. Now what?

This episode is centred around a question a friend of Ruben had for him, namely what the next step is if one wants to develop spiritually. What practices are important, and if I’d like to make some form of plan; how should it look?

Answering the question, we discuss the danger of relying on our senses to come to understand the Absolute Truth. We need to rely on authentic knowledge and perfect teachers rather than relying on our imperfect senses, the societal norms or what our friends and family tell us. Having plans and goals and plans is all good, but we need to ultimately tune in to the plan that the Supreme Person has for us.

Balakhilya also shares personal examples and gives very practical tips for daily spiritual practices such as hearing and chanting mantras as well as remembering that the self is not the body; which are the first three and most important processes of Bhakti Yoga.

Highlights:

Recorded on June 12, 2023.

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“Treat others the way you want them to treat you” - a simple and powerful philosophy, but also just an empty philosophy if we fail to actually implement it.

In this episode, we discuss the decline of morality in modern society through the example of Balakhilya’s father, who lived by the golden rule and always upheld a high standard of moral living. Through this perspective we delve into topics such as forgiveness, false ego, and the importance of practice in implementing a spiritual philosophy into one's daily life. You’ll also hear us question the current societal norms and how the lack of adherence to biblical principles has led to chaos and degradation.

Through anecdotes and reflections around the life of Balakhilya’s father, we hope to offer valuable lessons on how to live a morally upright life and become a more compassionate and loving person.

Highlights:

Recorded on February 15, 2023.

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You’ve just been caught by an avalanche, and you're now rock stuck underneath a deep layer of hard-packed snow. You're helpless. You're stuck.

There is nothing you can do materially. And thinking positively will not change the reality of the situation you’re in. But you're still you; the spirit soul inside the body. You are still feeling and longing.

So what CAN you do? You, the spirit soul, can find spiritual shelter and comfort through meditating on transcendental sound. This supreme protection doesn't weigh anything in your backpacking, doesn't cost anything, and never fails.

And it might just save your life.

Highlights:

Recorded on February 22, 2023. Read episode transcript on https://breakingtrail.life/podcast/56

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We have a choice to make in life. I can be immersed in meditation upon the things I don’t have - I can meditate upon how difficult my life is, how I don’t deserve the hardships that come my way - and fuel the fire of anger.

Or I can meditate upon the things I do have, and be thankful for that: we have a human body to use for spiritual realization, we have arms and legs with which we can serve others, and since you are reading this you have been given the opportunity to dive into the deepest wisdom and answers to life’s challenges.

Real thankfulness comes with appreciation, warmth, and care for others. And with determination to take advantage of that which you have received.

Highlights:

Recorded on March 8, 2023. Read episode transcript on
https://breakingtrail.life/podcast/55

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500 years ago in India lived a spiritual personality of extraordinary character and devotion, called Haridas Thakur. Due to their unfortunate team-spirit, both the Muslims and Hindus rejected him as he failed to abide to any particular process or religion. Joined by their envy of Haridas, they planned to send a prostitute to his home and defame him by catching him in the act of engaging in sexual activity with her.

Needless to say, their plan completely backfired. In the end, Haridas Thakur became even more glorified, while the prostitute became a great spiritual teacher whose advice was sought by people from all over the country.

This is a story of how to deal with unwanted desires and lust, how faith turns the most dangerous threat into an amazing opportunity, and how we can be of real service to others when we have a strong spiritual foundation. This is the story of Haridas Thakur and the prostitute who became a saint.

Highlights:

Recorded on June 4, 2022. Read episode transcript on

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A relative to a friend of Ruben is right now on his deathbed, in the later stages of cancer. And sooner or later, you and me might also be in a similar situation—facing the reality that at any time, one of our loved ones will leave this world.

We might feel confused, uncertain, uncomfortable, or simply overwhelmed by emotions. But when this time comes, it’s time for us to lift ourselves above all of that and be of real service as that person is leaving this world.

This episode is a recording from when Ruben asked Balakhilya:

Highlights:

Recorded on February 8, 2023. Read episode transcript on https://breakingtrail.life/podcast/53

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