Episode 26 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Scott Tusa, a Buddhist meditation teacher and former monk with 23 years of experience. They discuss Scott's journey from encountering Buddhism at age 19, to living as a Buddhist monk ordained by the 14th Dalai Lama, and later returning to householder life. Scott shares insights from his experiences, including the importance of integrating personal practice with teaching, and practical advice on navigating challenges with social media and modern life. They explore different Buddhist traditions and techniques for dealing with like and dislike, craving, and the importance of maintaining equanimity. Scott emphasizes the importance of continual self-honesty, the guidance of experienced teachers, and the role of somatic awareness in deepening one's practice. The episode ends with an overview of Scott’s meditation and buddhism mentoring offerings as well as a sneak peek at some of his courses on lojong (mind training) and mindful parenting.

• 00:00 Introduction to Scott Tusa
• 01:57 Early Encounters with Buddhism & Journey to Monastic Life
• 09:05 Challenges and Reflections on Monasticism
• 19:46 Dharma and Awakening for Modern Practitioners
• 34:12 Exploring Equanimity and Understanding Preferences and Boundaries
• 46:59 Navigating Social Media and Modern
• 54:42 Conclusion and Upcoming Offerings

Scott Tusa is a Buddhist meditation teacher and practitioner who has spent the last 25 years exploring how to embody and live meaningfully through the Buddhist path.

At age sixteen, his mother's death sparked a deep longing for healing and spiritual wisdom that eventually led him to Tibetan Buddhism. He spent my early twenties seeking out and learning from a variety of Tibetan Buddhist masters, and was ordained by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama as a Buddhist monk at age twenty-eight.

He spent the next nine years as a monk, deepening his understanding of the Dharma, engaging in solitary meditation retreats, and continuing his studies with teachers in India, Nepal, and the United States, including his main teachers Lama Zopa Rinpoche and Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

Since 2008, he has been teaching Buddhist meditation in group and one-to-one settings in the United States, Europe, Latin America, and online, bringing Buddhist wisdom to modern meditators, helping them to deepen and develop more confidence in their practice.

SCOTT TUSA’S WEBSITE

MINDFUL PARENTING COURSE

LOJONG COURSE ON TRICYCLE

CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL

Episode 25 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Brazilian artist, Tiffani Gyatso, about her life and work in Tibetan Buddhist Thangka painting. Tiffani begins by sharing her fascinating journey, from her upbringing in a spiritual community in Brazil to her studies in sacred art and geometry. They discuss her studies at the Gandan Monastery in Mongolia and the Norbulingka Institute in India, as well as her contemporary art practices and sacred pilgrimages. The conversation delves into themes of spiritual anatomy, the power of imagination, and the intersection of art and spirituality. Tiffani also discusses her art retreats at Atelier YabYum in Brazil, her global pilgrimages, and the importance of embracing both duality and non-duality in spiritual practice.

• 00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Gyatso
• 04:56 Discovering & Training In Traditional Tibetan Thangka Art
• 12:59 Expanding With Sacred Art and Geometry
• 22:58 How Art Transforms Perception And Helps Open Consciousness
• 34:45 The Power of Imagination And The Erotic in Buddhism
• 41:31 Duality In Life, Art, and Buddhism
• 49:50 How To Balance Conceptual and Experiential Learning
• 58:30 The Value of Pilgrimage and Upcoming Offerings

Tiffani Gyatso is a Brazilian artist born in 1981. She studied graphic design in Munich, Germany and later specialized in Thangka Painting (Tibetan Buddhist Art). She was introduced to sacred arts at the Gandam monastery in Mongolia and completed her studies at the Norbulingka Institute, in India (2003-06). In 2016/17/19 she enrolled in several courses in sacred geometry and Islamic patterns at the Prince School (PSTA) in London, UK.

From 2007 to 2012 she undertook the large-scale project to paint a complete Tibetan temple (CEBB) in traditional form in south of Brazil. She teaches Thangka painting since 2006 all over Brazil and South America, opening in 2016 the first school and art retreat in Brazil dedicated to this art form, the Atelier YabYum. 

Alongside her traditional practice, Tiffani explores a more intuitive and contemplative artistic language in her contemporary work. Horses, symbols of vitality and freedom that have accompanied her since childhood, are the main inspiration behind her paintings. Her contemporary works have been exhibited in Brazil and New York.

In 2015, she published Life and Thangka, and she continues to contribute writings to Buddhistdoor Global.

Tiffani has been leading annual art pilgrimages to India and Tibet since 2013, and in 2017, she co-founded Mystic Art Retreats to make the practice more accessible.

She works today at her studio Atelier YabYum at the inner state of São Paulo and teaches all over the country and South America. She lectures traditional Thangka painting and also gives Immersions on Creative art, self expressions and Art therapy groups which she developed based in body awareness, movement and contemplative arts.

TIFFANI GYATSO’S WEBSITE

CONNECT WITH TIFFANI ON SOCIAL

EXPLORE MYSTIC ART RETREATS

Episode 24 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with fiction writer and essayist, Sarah Kokernot. Sarah, who has practiced Tibetan Buddhism for 20 years, shares insights from her writing on Dharma practice and the creative process. Their dialogue begins with an overview of Sarah's spiritual journey and the profound impact of Dzogchen on her life. They explore the themes of Eros, love, and devotion in contemplative practice, highlighting the intersection of the erotic and spiritual fulfillment. Sarah also recommends resources for those interested in deepening their understanding of Dharma, including her Substack, Your Wild and Radiant Mind, and various teachings from Lama Lina and Lama Justin von Bujdoss.

• 00:00 Introduction to Sarah Kokernot
• 03:54 Sarah’s Dharma Journey: Finding a Teacher and Deepening Practice
• 16:10 Exploring the Erotic in Dharma
• 24:01 Suffering In Life (Through A Buddhist Lens)
• 32:38 Eros and Intimate Presence in Mind
• 37:51 Compassion vs. Love
• 42:47 The Meaning of Devotion in Practice
• 47:46 Resources and Closing Thoughts

Sarah is a fiction writer and essayist who has practiced Tibetan Buddhism for 20 years. Her work has appeared in the Buddhist publication, Tricycle, The New York Times, The Best American Short Stories, EPOCH, Michigan Quarterly Review, Crazy Horse and other publications.

Raised in Kentucky in a queer family during the 80s and 90s, Sarah Kokernot found refuge in books, nature, chosen family, and the numinous. That early search for belonging continues to shape her work, and after fifteen years of publishing, she remains most devoted to creative authenticity and genuine connection.

Now based near Chicago with her husband and two children, she works as a grant writer and nonprofit consultant at StoryStudio, one of the nation’s leading creative writing centers.

With nearly two decades of teaching experience, Sarah mentors writers as a creative coach and manuscript consultant. She is currently completing her first novel and developing a book of essays, as well as sharing her insights on Dharma and creativity through her Substack, Your Wild and Radiant Mind.

SARAH KOKERNOT’S WEBSITE

SUBSCRIBE TO “YOUR WILD AND RADIANT MIND”

CONNECT WITH SARAH ON SOCIAL

Episode 23 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is part 2 of a conversation with Dr. Miles Neale. Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist, Tibetan Buddhist teacher, and author. This episode continues with a discussion on the profound significance of inner, outer, and secret pilgrimages; the challenges and rewards of integrating these transformative experiences into everyday life; and the collective pilgrimage of humanity in the face of modern crises. Dr. Neale also shares personal insights from his move to Bali and his ongoing work, including his experiences leading international pilgrimages, and the launch of his newest book, Return with Elixir.

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Miles Neale
• 03:31 Therapy as a Form of Pilgrimage
• 05:44 The Challenges of Integration
• 11:31 The Collective Pilgrimage of Civilization
• 17:20 The Importance of a Guided Path
• 23:34 The Illusion of Quick Enlightenment
• 32:43 Personal Journey: Moving to Bali
• 40:02 Upcoming Pilgrimages and Final Thoughts

Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist in private practice, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, founder of the Gradual Path for inner and outer journeys, author of Gradual Awakening, and co-editor of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy.

His latest book, Return with Elixir: Four Maps for the Pilgrimage of the Soul Through Death and Rebirth (Inner Traditions, 2025), integrates Joseph Campbell’s mythology, Carl Jung’s psychology, Tibetan Buddhist alchemy, and the precession of the equinoxes.

Over the past twenty-five years, Miles has fused Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. He earned a Masters in meditation research from New York University, a Doctorate in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and trained in long-term mentor-student relationships with preeminent American Buddhist scholars Professor Robert Thurman, PhD, and Dr. Joseph Loizzo, MD, PhD as well as Tibetan master Geshe Tenzin Zopa.

He has taught psychology and meditation at the integrative medical clinics of Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell universities, designed and led the two-year Contemplative Studies Immersion certificate program based on the Tibetan gradual path (lam-rim), offers courses and workshops internationally including at the Tibet House, US, and has initiated service projects supporting nunneries in the Himalayan region.

Miles curates and leads life-changing pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world and lives between New York City and Bali, Indonesia.

DR. MILES NEALE’S WEBSITE

READ “RETURN WITH ELIXIR”

EXPLORE PILGRIMAGES ON THE GRADUAL PATH

DR. MILES NEALE’S INSTAGRAM

Episode 22 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Dr. Miles Neale, a psychotherapist and Tibetan Buddhist teacher. They explore Dr. Neale's multi-disciplinary approach of integrating Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. The conversation dives into his latest book, 'Return with Elixir,' and delves deep into the concept of pilgrimage as a profound spiritual practice.

Dr. Neale shares insights from his years of experience leading pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world and discusses the transformational potential of these journeys. The discussion also touches on the integration of alchemical principles, the convergence of various religious and mystical traditions, and how pilgrimage can lead to inner and secret realizations. This enlightening conversation offers valuable perspectives for anyone interested in spiritual growth, therapeutic practices, and the intersection of ancient wisdom with modern life.

• 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Miles Neale
• 01:52 The Intersection of Psychology and Tibetan Buddhism
• 06:41 The Role of Pilgrimage in Spiritual Practice
• 16:56 The Significance of Pilgrimage and Sacred Sites
• 24:01 Understanding the Pilgrimage Mindset
• 28:07 Pilgrimage as Transformational Travel
• 34:57 Personal Pilgrimage Experiences
• 42:11 Inner Pilgrimage and Psychedelic Journeys

Dr. Miles Neale is a psychotherapist in private practice, teacher of Tibetan Buddhism, founder of the Gradual Path for inner and outer journeys, author of Gradual Awakening, and co-editor of Advances in Contemplative Psychotherapy.

His latest book, Return with Elixir: Four Maps for the Pilgrimage of the Soul Through Death and Rebirth (Inner Traditions, 2025), integrates Joseph Campbell’s mythology, Carl Jung’s psychology, Tibetan Buddhist alchemy, and the precession of the equinoxes.

Over the past twenty-five years, Miles has fused Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. He earned a Masters in meditation research from New York University, a Doctorate in clinical psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies, and trained in long-term mentor-student relationships with preeminent American Buddhist scholars Professor Robert Thurman, PhD, and Dr. Joseph Loizzo, MD, PhD as well as Tibetan master Geshe Tenzin Zopa.

He has taught psychology and meditation at the integrative medical clinics of Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell universities, designed and led the two-year Contemplative Studies Immersion certificate program based on the Tibetan gradual path (lam-rim), offers courses and workshops internationally including at the Tibet House, US, and has initiated service projects supporting nunneries in the Himalayan region.

Miles curates and leads life-changing pilgrimages to sacred sites around the world and lives between New York City and Bali, Indonesia.

DR. MILES NEALE’S WEBSITE

READ “RETURN WITH ELIXIR”

EXPLORE PILGRIMAGES ON THE GRADUAL PATH

DR. MILES NEALE’S INSTAGRAM

Episode 21 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Zahra Adloo, a Los Angeles-based mental health professional and psychedelic integrator who specializes in integrating Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. Zahra shares her unique approach to therapy, incorporating Reiki, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic practices to help individuals reconnect with their core identities and overcome challenges such as trauma, addiction, and anxiety.

The discussion delves deeply into Zahra's personal experience with psychedelics, particularly Ayahuasca and Ibogaine, and how these experiences facilitated her healing journey and informed her professional practice. The conversation also touches on themes like non-attachment, surrender, the importance of self-awareness, and maintaining a healthy balance between productivity and personal well-being. Additionally, Zahra shares her interest in biohacking and longevity as part of a holistic approach to mental health and personal growth.

• 00:00 Introduction to Zahra Adloo
• 01:56 Zahra's Psychedelic Journey
• 13:17 The Transformative Power of Stillness
• 27:04 Integrating Psychedelic Experiences
• 34:08 Releasing The Ego & Discerning True Purpose
• 40:04 Karmic Visions and Ayahuasca
• 52:45 Embodying Healing As A Psychedelic Facilitator
• 1:03:04 Biohacking and Plant Medicine For Longevity

Zahra Adloo is a dedicated mental health professional and wellness host based in Los Angeles, specializing in helping individuals find meaning and purpose by uncovering their authentic selves. Through her unique, integrative approach, Zahra assists clients in navigating personal challenges and reconnecting with their core identities, fostering clarity, direction, hope, and healing.

Her clinical work blends Eastern philosophy with Western psychology, incorporating Reiki, energy healing, trauma-informed yoga, and somatic practices. Zahra’s therapeutic focus on self-compassion and empowerment has transformed the lives of those struggling with trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, OCD, and body image issues.

Zahra is also an expert in psychedelic integration, particularly in the use of Ibogaine for addiction recovery. As a Certified Psilocybin-Assisted Therapist through Fluence, she offers compassionate, informed care through every stage of the psychedelic healing process.

Beyond private practice, Zahra curates transformational wellness events across Los Angeles, where she creates safe and inspiring spaces for individuals to connect deeply with themselves and each other. Her events are rooted in themes like building community, reclaiming authenticity, nervous system healing, and integrating spiritual and mental well-being.

Trained at Palo Alto University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy, Zahra also draws personal inspiration from yoga, hiking, creative writing, travel, and her work as a podcast host and speaker. Her passion for cross-cultural connection and holistic transformation makes her an invaluable guide for those seeking soul-aligned mental health and growth.

ZAHRA’S WEBSITE

ZAHRA’S INSTAGRAM

Episode 20 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features an inspiring conversation with Juliana Garces, the visionary artist behind Juliana Garces Art.

This episode explores the interplay between art, energy, and consciousness, and begins with a discussion on Juliana's background in meditation, yoga, and psychedelics.

She shares how her cross-cultural upbringing and DMT experiences have profoundly impacted her artistic creations and the inspiration behind using specific deities like Shiva and Shakti.

This episode also delves into the importance of psychedelic preparation and intention-setting when working with plant medicine, and the significance of balancing equanimity with discernment when it comes to the practice.

Listeners will gain insights into Juliana’s artistic inspiration and learn how to tap into the greater cosmic creativity.

• 00:00 Introduction to Juliana Garces
• 01:05 Juliana's Artistic and Spiritual Journey
• 08:14 DMT and Ayahuasca Experiences
• 12:56 Psychedelic Preparation and Integration
• 33:20 Diving Deep into Buddhism and Meditation Practices
• 41:26 Art as a Universal Language
• 43:01 The Role of Psychedelics in Artistic Expression
• 54:07 Integrating AI in Art Creation
• 01:00:39 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

Juliana Garces is a visionary artist and spiritual seeker, whose work reflects her deep commitment to raising the collective consciousness. Her journey with art is a continuous exploration of how visual forms can transcend language and open pathways to the infinite.

Grounded in her daily spiritual practices—meditation, yoga, mindfulness, and deep study of mysticism—her work reflects visions and experiences from realms that words cannot fully describe. Juliana sees herself simply as a channel for cosmic creativity, doing her best to step aside and let the visions flow through her.

She doesn’t view the work as her own, but rather as something greater that she’s fortunate to be part of. By tapping into the infinite space within all of us, she hopes to create pieces that serve as gentle reminders for others to reconnect with their own eternal nature.

JULIANA’S WEBSITE

JULIANA ON INSTAGRAM

JULIANA ON YOUTUBE

Episode 19 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is an enlightening conversation with Spring Washam, the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys.

Adrian and Spring catch up and discuss the evolution of Lotus Vine Journeys and its 10-year-long history of ayahuasca retreats blended with a Buddhist framework.

Spring shares her insights on the ever-changing nature of spiritual practices, the ethical considerations in shamanic traditions, and the deep healing she’s undertaken over the decade.

The discussion touches upon the importance of preparation and integration in plant medicine journeys, ethical tensions in traditional settings, and the benefits of incorporating sacred plant teachings with non-dual Buddhist principles. They also explore the possibility of sustainable practices with alternative plants like peganam harmala and the broader implications of psychedelics in shifting global consciousness.

• 00:00 Introducing Spring Washam
• 04:30 Integrating Dharma and Plant Medicine
• 14:31 Ethics and Evolution in Plant Medicine Practices
• 21:13 The Role of the Maestro and Direct Connection
• 33:47 Honoring Ayahuasca Traditions While Embracing Change
• 38:10 Integrating Buddhism into Ayahuasca Ceremonies
• 44:53 The Importance of Psychedelic Preparation
• 52:45 Sustainability and Accessibility of Plant Medicines

Considered a pioneer in bringing mindfulness-based meditation practices to diverse communities; Spring Washam is a well-known teacher, healer, and visionary leader based in Oakland, California.

She is the author of A Fierce Heart: Finding Strength, Courage and Wisdom in Any Moment and The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: Awakening from the Underground.

Spring is one of the founding teachers at the East Bay Meditation Center, an organization that offers Buddhist teachings with attention to social action and multiculturalism. She is a member of the teacher’s council at Spirit Rock Meditation Center, offering teachings on Buddhist philosophy, Insight meditation and loving-kindness practices. Spring is also the founder of Lotus Vine Journeys, a one-of-a-kind organization that blends indigenous healing practices with Buddhist wisdom for transformative retreats in South America.

She has practiced and studied Buddhist philosophy in both the Theravada and Tibetan schools of Buddhism since 1999. Spring is also a shamanic practitioner and has studied indigenous healing practices since 2008.

Spring’s workshops, interviews, and writing can be found in mainstream media worldwide.

SPRING’S WEBSITE

SPRING ON INSTAGRAM

LOTUS VINE JOURNEYS WEBSITE

LOTUS VINE JOURNEYS ON INSTAGRAM

Episode 18 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is the second part of a two-part conversation with Todd Norian, the founder of Ashaya Yoga®. The conversation centers on Tantra Yoga and how it offers a nondual and joyous framework for understanding life.

The episode picks up with Todd sharing his journey of integrating body, mind, and heart through Tantra Yoga. This opens the discussion on topics such as the metaphysics of Shaiva Shakta Tantra, concerns within traditional guru culture, how Tantra supports emotional agility, and the importance of courage and compassion when sitting with discomfort.

The dialogue wraps up with an introduction into Ashaya Yoga, and is an insightful episode on navigating spiritual teachings while emphasizing personal growth and emotional understanding.

• 00:00 Introducing Todd Norian
• 02:58 The Metaphysics Of Tantra Yoga
• 09:10 Transcendence and Immanence in Tantra
• 16:24 Navigating Teacher-Student Relationships
• 26:58 Using Tantra Yoga To Explore And Accept Emotions
• 45:51 The Three C's of Emotional Agility

Todd Norian, E-RYT 500, YACEP, internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, founder of Ashaya Yoga, author of Tantra Yoga: Journey to Unbreakable Wholeness, A Memoir, musician, acharya in Blue Throat Yoga, and a Kripalu Legacy Faculty, teaches classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings both live in-person and online, for students and teachers all over the world.

A student of yoga since 1980, Todd brings a depth of inner strength, devotion, vulnerability, and an unapologetic sense of humor to everything he does. Todd seeks to awaken others to their inherent potential for healing and joy by integrating the body, mind, and heart through Ashaya Yoga and meditation.

In 2012, Todd founded Ashaya Yoga®, an alignment-based, heart-centered practice which uses the five elements and the teachings from the Nondual Tantra tradition to build strength and flexibility while giving students access to a universe of power within. He is a guest teacher at many renowned spiritual centers and conferences including Kripalu Center, Omega Institute, Esalen, and the Toronto Yoga Show. As a classically trained jazz musician, Todd created several music albums for yoga and relaxation, including the world-renowned Bija: Soothing Music and Mantras for Yoga and Meditation.

ASHAYA YOGA

ASHAYA YOGA ON INSTAGRAM

ASHAYA YOGA ON FACEBOOK

Episode 17 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is the first part of a two-part conversation with Todd Norian, the founder of Ashaya Yoga®. The conversation centers on Tantra Yoga and how it offers a nondual and joyous framework for understanding life.

Todd begins the discussion by debunking some misconceptions of Tantra and then dives deeper into some of the core tenets of the practice, including its view on suffering, the balance between transcendence and embodiment, and the value of embracing life's full spectrum of experiences and emotions.

This episode highlights a more integrated approach to the householder path and encourages listeners to view life, including its challenges, as part of their awakening journey.

• 00:00 Introducing Todd Norian
• 03:03 Defining Tantra Yoga and Clearing Up Misconceptions
• 12:10 The Balance Between Transcendence and Immanence
• 17:56 Questioning Perfection and the Guru Tradition
• 23:46 Embracing The Discomfort of Challenging Emotions Like Loneliness and Grief
• 33:39 Three Guiding Questions For Spiritual Awakening and Empowerment Through Tantra

Todd Norian, E-RYT 500, YACEP, internationally acclaimed yoga teacher, founder of Ashaya Yoga, author of Tantra Yoga: Journey to Unbreakable Wholeness, A Memoir, musician, acharya in Blue Throat Yoga, and a Kripalu Legacy Faculty, teaches classes, workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings both live in-person and online, for students and teachers all over the world.

A student of yoga since 1980, Todd brings a depth of inner strength, devotion, vulnerability, and an unapologetic sense of humor to everything he does. Todd seeks to awaken others to their inherent potential for healing and joy by integrating the body, mind, and heart through Ashaya Yoga and meditation.

In 2012, Todd founded Ashaya Yoga®, an alignment-based, heart-centered practice which uses the five elements and the teachings from the Nondual Tantra tradition to build strength and flexibility while giving students access to a universe of power within. He is a guest teacher at many renowned spiritual centers and conferences including Kripalu Center, Omega Institute, Esalen, and the Toronto Yoga Show. As a classically trained jazz musician, Todd created several music albums for yoga and relaxation, including the world-renowned Bija: Soothing Music and Mantras for Yoga and Meditation.

ASHAYA YOGA

ASHAYA YOGA ON INSTAGRAM

ASHAYA YOGA ON FACEBOOK