Redesigning the Dharma

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Episode 16 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Justin Kelley, PhD, the Executive Director at Tergar Institute and Tergar Schools. Raised in rural Massachusetts, Justin’s transformative journey began in Tibetan refugee communities in India and Nepal. This discussion dives into the role of the scholar-practitioner, his extensive research in Buddhist philosophy and meditation, his role as executive director in the Tergar community, the importance of balancing traditional and contemporary learning methods, and the challenges and adaptive strategies for transmitting Vajrayana Buddhism in the modern world.

• 00:00 Introduction to Justin Kelley, PhD
• 05:24 Justin’s Journey with Buddhism
• 19:44 Meeting Mingyur Rinpoche
• 27:20 Tergar Institute & Tergar Schools: Mission, Curriculum, and Approach Towards The Tradition
• 34:57 Adapting Vajrayana Teachings and Discussing Power Dynamics in Traditional Institutes
• 46:16 Psychedelics & The Importance of Stabilizing The View

Justin Kelley, a scholar-practitioner deeply engaged in both the academic and practical realms of Tibetan Buddhism, was raised on a farm in rural Massachusetts. His path took a transformative turn when he spent a decade immersed in Tibetan refugee communities across India and Nepal, where he dedicated himself to studying Tibetan language, Buddhist philosophy, and meditative practices.

In 2021, Justin earned his PhD from Rice University’s Department of Religion, under the mentorship of Dr. Anne C. Klein, a distinguished professor of Religious Studies. His scholarly interests are expansive, encompassing the meditative and philosophical systems of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism, phenomenology, contemplative studies, and learning theory.

Justin's research is particularly focused on the nuanced processes of personal transformation—how these transformations are cultivated and the outcomes they yield. His dissertation explored Longchen Rabjam’s ontology of purity within the framework of the Great Completeness (Dzogchen), contributing to a larger project aimed at tracing the genealogy of purity throughout Buddhist history.

In addition to his work in Buddhist theory and practice, Justin is passionate about the learning process and the art of pedagogy. His teaching philosophy is grounded in a transformative approach, emphasizing engaged and applied pedagogies that foster inclusive and empathetic learning environments. Whether in a classroom or digital setting, Justin is committed to creating educational experiences that honor the full spectrum of human experience.

Currently, Justin serves as the executive director of two interrelated organizations: Tergar Schools and the Tergar Institute. At the heart of both organizations is the seamless integration of Tibetan Buddhist theory and practice with contemporary approaches to learning, with Tergar Schools focusing on primary and secondary education and the Tergar Institute on continuing and higher education.

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Episode 15 with Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with Sara Lewis, PhD, LCSW, the co-founder and director of training and research at Naropa University’s center for Psychedelic Studies. This conversation explores the intersection psychedelic-assisted therapy, healing intergenerational trauma, building resilience in the face of adversity, and how having a background grounded in contemplative practices can support with the preparation and integration of using plant medicines like ayahuasca and soma for greater healing. The conversation delves into the diverse frameworks for psychedelic-assisted therapy and advocates to make these transformative experiences accessible and meaningful for a wide range of individuals.

• 00:00 Introducing Sara Lewis, PhD, LCSW
• 03:07 The Intersection of Psychedelics and Dharma
• 08:54 Somatic Experiencing Why Groundedness Is Important When Using Psychedelics
• 14:33 How To Integrate Insights After Ceremony
• 25:44 Traditional vs Modern Approaches For Psychedelic Use
• 42:52 How Psychedelics And Buddhism Can Support With Healing Trauma

Sara Lewis, PhD, LCSW is co-founder and Director of Training and Research at Naropa University's Center for Psychedelic Studies. Sara earned her PhD at Columbia University in medical anthropology and public health; her research sits at the intersection of religion, culture and healing with an emphasis on non-ordinary states. As a Fulbright scholar, she conducted long term ethnographic research in India, culminating in her book, Spacious Minds: Trauma and Resilience in Tibetan Buddhism, which investigates how Buddhist concepts of mind shape traumatic memory and pathways to resilience. Sara has also published research on ayahuasca and spiritual emergencies. As a contemplative psychotherapist, she specializes in intergenerational trauma and healing through Somatic Experiencing and psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is an Associate MDMA-Assisted Therapy Training Consultant for Lykos Therapeutics and provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in her private practice in Boulder, CO.

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Episode 14 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with writer, psychotherapist, and ayahuasca integration coach, Kerry Moran. Kerry shares her fascinating journey of living in Kathmandu and practicing Dharma, to becoming a psychotherapist with a private practice in Portland, and finally moving to Peru and working closely with ayahuasca for spiritual and therapeutic purposes.

The conversation delves into how her background in Dzogchen and depth psychology enhances her work with psychedelics, the transformative power of ayahuasca, and the importance of integration in psychedelic experiences. Listeners will learn about the feminine archetype of the dakini, the embodied nature of ayahuasca experiences, and the role of compassion and embodiment in spiritual growth.

• 00:00 Guest Introduction
• 02:21 Kerry's Journey into Dharma: Living and Practicing in Kathmandu
• 10:27 Transitioning and Practicing Depth Psychology
• 18:56 Ayahuasca Through A Tantric Lens
• 27:16 Integrated and Embodied Healing After An Ayahuasca Ceremony
• 44:33 How Dharma and Plant Medicine Can Be Synergistic In Inspiring Awakening

Kerry Moran is a psychotherapist and writer who brings decades of experience in Vajrayana Buddhism and depth psychology to the integration of ayahuasca. She lives in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where she works, locally and internationally, as an ayahuasca integration therapist. Her approach is both spiritual and practical, working to ground the wisdom of ayahuasca in daily life. Among other things, she's a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, an archetypal astrologer, and an apprentice tabaquera.

Kerry's personal experience with master plants provides the foundation of her integration work with clients. She's worked intensively with ayahuasca for the past 10 years and has completed a lengthy series of plant dietas with a Peruvian tabaquero. Other plants she considers her teachers are iboga and huachuma (San Pedro).

Kerry's therapeutic approach blends depth psychology with the non-dual teachings of Tibetan Buddhism and a profound respect for the wisdom of the plants. You can find much more on her website, ayahuascawisdom.com, including an insightful blog about ayahuasca integration.

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INTEGRATING AYAHUASCA: 10 WEEKS OF SKILLS & SUPPORT TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR CEREMONIES

Episode 13 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma features a conversation with poet, artist, and Zen meditation teacher, Brooke McNamara. The discussion centers on the intersection between art and Zen Buddhism and explores themes like the embodiment of Eros, the paradox of transcendence and intimacy, and the importance of uncertainty in spiritual practice. Brooke also reads one of her touching poems, 'Change the Lighting,' and discusses her perspective on poetry as a vehicle for transmitting life's vibrancy. The conversation touches on the influences of various Zen and Tantric masters and how their teachings intersect with creative expression and wraps up with a summary of her current work as an artist and with Dragon Lake Zen, a meditation community based in Colorado.

• 00:00 Guest Introduction
• 02:03 Exploring the Intersection of Zen, Meditation, and Creativity
• 19:27 Embracing Uncertainty and Aliveness in Zen
• 25:37 Erotic and Creative Energies in Zen and Poetry
• 36:35 The Importance of Ethics in Transgressive Practices
• 39:51 Poetic Reflection and Closing Thoughts

Brooke McNamara, MFA, is a poet, dance-theater artist, teacher, and Zen dharma holder. She has published two books of poems: Bury the Seed (2020) and Feed Your Vow (2015). For her poetry, she is the recipient of the Charles B. Palmer prize from the Academy of American Poets. 

Brooke has taught at Naropa University in Yoga Studies and at the University of Colorado, Boulder in Dance, and she is co-director with Lauren Beale of Eunice Embodiment, an organization that offers cutting edge performances, embodiment education, and creative practice workshops and retreats. 

Brooke is creator and instructor of the online courses Write to the Heart of Motherhood, Summoning the Unseen, Cultivate: Creative Practice (with Lauren Beale), and Women’s Ritual of Renewal (with Lisa Gibson). She is a long time Zen student of Diane Musho Hamilton, Roshi, and empowered as a dharma holder. 

Brooke lives with her husband, Rob, and their two wild, adorable sons, Lundin and Orion. 

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DRAGON LAKE ZEN MEDITATION COMMUNITY

Episode 12 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is features an insightful conversation with Jess McNally, an experienced Buddhist practitioner and facilitator in Minyak Rinpoche's Tergar Meditation Community. Jess shares her journey with Buddhism, from her academic beginnings at Stanford University to living and training at Zen Mountain Monastery, and eventually ordaining as a monastic in the Tibetan tradition. The conversation delves into the differences between secular meditation and traditional Buddhist practices, the significance of having a good meditation teacher, the value in contemplating life (and death), and the profound benefits of attending retreat.

• 00:00 Guest Introduction
• 06:51 Transition to Monastic Life
• 13:59 The Importance of a Good Teacher
• 20:17 Secular vs. Traditional Buddhist Practices
• 27:00 Understanding Karma and Death
• 35:41 Upcoming Retreats and Final Thoughts

Jess McNally has devoted much of her adult life to practicing and studying Buddhism. After completing both a Bachelor and a Master of Science degree in Earth Systems at Stanford University, she moved to Zen Mountain Monastery near New York, where she lived and trained for over three years.

During that time she completed over forty week-long silent retreats (sesshins). In 2015, she decided to pursue Tibetan Buddhism and was ordained as a monastic by Thrangu Rinpoche. She met Mingyur Rinpoche shortly afterward at Tergar Monastery in Bodhgaya, India. Under his guidance, she completed a series of solitary retreats in Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo’s cave in the Himalayas, including a 5-month retreat over winter. Since 2016, Jess has also been a student of Tsoknyi Rinpoche.

In 2018, Jess chose to return to lay life and her hometown of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Jess serves as a Senior Tergar Facilitator and host for online Tergar retreats and workshops. She also runs her own web design business. In her downtime, she loves to go on adventures outside with her dog Pema, sing and cook.

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Episode 11 of Redesigning The Dharma by Sahaja Soma is part two of a conversation with shamanic Reiki master healer, Danielle Rateau. This episode explores Danielle's holistic healing journey, including her work at an ayahuasca center in the Sacred Valley, Peru and her expertise in with Reiki. Adrian and Danielle dive into the the details of working with ayahuasca including the often-overlooked importance of preparation before ceremonies, the impact of relaxing and somatically connecting with the experience, the role of set and setting on ayahuasca journeys, and of course, the importance of community and integration post-ceremony.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 05:21 Meditation, the Nervous System and Preparation Before Ayahuasca Ceremonies
• 14:01 Surrendering and Having Faith In The Medicine
• 22:50 Set and Setting in Psychedelic Experiences
• 33:33 Balancing Silence and Music in Ceremonies
• 37:23 Community and Connection in Integration

Danielle Rateau has been dedicated to the path of holistic healing since 2017. After two years living and working at an eco yoga community in Australia, she traveled the world exploring different healing modalities. In 2022, she worked at an Ayahuasca retreat in the Sacred Valley of Peru, where she deepened her understanding of Shamanism and healing with plant medicine. 

As a Shamanic Reiki master practitioner, Danielle offers distance healings through her practice, Soul Embodied Reiki & Energy Healing. Through YouTube, she shares videos about personal growth, spirituality, holistic healing, and Reiki/ASMR.

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