That's So Hindu

In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with Lydia Picoli about the profound connection between yoga, nature, and spirituality. Discover how outdoor practices, eco-psychology, and personal spiritual journeys can transform your understanding of self and the environment.

Learn more: https://resoul.earth

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Nature Connection

02:01 Personal Journey and Spiritual Awakening

06:21 Bringing Nature into Daily Life

09:57 The Healing Power of Nature

12:43 Bridging the Gap: From Fitness to Spirituality

16:59 Academic Background and Spiritual Psychology

21:11 Foundational Moments in Spiritual Journey

23:27 The Search for Truth and Personal Responsibility

27:33 Reconnecting with Nature and Spiritual Practices

34:42 The Power of Intuition and Personal Experience

39:24 Cultural Appropriation and the Essence of Yoga

43:39 Inner Work vs. Outer Activism: Finding Balance

Keywords

Yoga, Nature, Spirituality, Eco-psychology, Meditation, Personal Growth, Earth Day, 

Key Topics 

Yoga and nature connection

Outdoor yoga practices and benefits

Spiritual psychology and personal transformation

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In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with nutritionist Neha Shah (Diaspora Nutrition). They discuss the impact of Western diets on Indian immigrants, traditional Indian dietary wisdom, and practical strategies for maintaining health through culturally rooted nutrition practices.

Learn more: 

https://www.instagram.com/diasporanutrition/ 

https://diasporanutrition.com/ 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Diaspora Nutrition

03:09 Understanding Cardio Metabolic Disease

06:11 Cultural Wisdom vs. Western Diets

09:01 The Role of Traditional Foods

11:54 Calorie Counting and Food Relationships

14:41 Modernizing Indian Meals

17:56 The Importance of Sourcing Ingredients

20:58 Healthy Swaps for Immigrants

23:57 Seasonality and Eating Patterns

26:40 Ayurveda and Traditional Wisdom

29:42 Integrating Traditional Grains

32:52 Final Thoughts and Resources

keywords

diaspora nutrition, Indian immigrants, traditional Indian diet, gut health, metabolic health, Ayurveda, food sourcing, seasonality, holistic health, cultural wisdom

key topics

Impact of Western diets on Indian immigrants

Traditional Indian dietary wisdom and practices

Gut health and metabolic disease in diaspora populations

Food sourcing, seasonality, and preparation methods

Ayurveda and holistic health principles

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In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott talks with yoga teacher Patrick Franco discusses the importance of asana within the broader context of yoga philosophy. He explores how movement, breath, and mindfulness can be integrated to achieve the true goals of yoga, addressing misconceptions and highlighting the significance of lineage and authentic practice.

Read Patrick’s article in Yoga Journal: https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/asana-yoga/

Practice with Patrick: https://yogarenew.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Yoga and Asana

06:06 The Importance of Asana in Yoga

10:31 Post-COVID Yoga Landscape

13:58 Asana as a Gateway to Community

29:56 Gender Dynamics in Yoga Practice

Keywords

Yoga, Asana, Yoga Philosophy, Movement, Breath, Lineage, Yoga Practice, Spirituality, Yoga Education

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In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Dr. Vijay Satnarine from Hindu American Foundation dives into the expansive world of yoga, revealing that there are actually 16 (possibly more) paths and practices that go far beyond the commonly known four. This discussion challenges simplified views of yoga and emphasizes its diverse and inclusive nature, grounded in spiritual traditions and practical applications.

The 16 types of yoga 

1. The Disciplines of the Mind & Intellect

These techniques focus on refining the "instrument" of perception.

Abhyāsa-yoga (Yoga of Practice): The technique of repeatedly bringing the wandering mind back to a single point of focus.

Buddhi-yoga (Yoga of Discernment): Using the higher intellect to filter out sensory "noise" and make choices based on the fundamental reality of a situation.

Sāṅkhya-yoga (Yoga of Analysis): The intellectual discipline of "counting" or "categorizing" the difference between the eternal observer and the transient world.

Jñāna-Vijñāna-yoga (Yoga of Knowledge & Realization): The progression from theoretical understanding to direct, verifiable experience of reality.

2. The Disciplines of Action & Engagement

These techniques focus on how we interface with the world without creating further cycles of suffering.

Karma-yoga (Yoga of Action): Performing one's duty without attachment to personal gain.

Karma-phala-tyāga (Renunciation of Results): The psychological technique of surrendering the "fruit" of action to manage anxiety and ego.

Sannyāsa-yoga (Yoga of Renunciation): Not the abandonment of action, but the renunciation of the sense of doership (the ego’s claim on the action).

Yajña-yoga (Yoga of Sacrifice): Viewing every action—from eating to breathing to working—as an offering to the greater whole, rather than an act of personal consumption.

3. The Disciplines of Emotional & Biological Baseline

These provide the "steady ground" required for all other yogas.

Sthitaprajña-yoga (Yoga of Steady Wisdom): The practice of remaining unmoved by the "dualities" (pleasure/pain, win/loss) to maintain a clear view of reality.

Dhyāna-yoga / Ātma-saṃyama-yoga (Yoga of Meditation/Self-Restraint): The biological discipline of regulating sleep, food, and breath to keep the "instrument" of the body tuned.

Samatva-yoga (Yoga of Equanimity): The specific technique of viewing a lump of earth, a stone, and gold with the same steady eye—recognizing the same underlying Sat in all.

4. The Disciplines of Connection & Vision

These expand the individual's perspective from the local self to the universal.

Bhakti-yoga (Yoga of Devotion): Reorienting the emotional faculty toward the Divine, transforming personal desire into universal love.

Vibhūti-yoga (Yoga of Divine Manifestation): The technique of practicing "constant awareness" by seeing the "best of" every category (the sun among lights, the lion among beasts) as a portal to the Divine reality.

Viśvarūpa-darśana-yoga (Yoga of the Universal Vision): The radical expansion of consciousness to see the interconnectedness of all time, space, and being.

5. The Disciplines of the "Field" (Contextual Reality)

These focus on understanding the environment in which we act.

Kṣetra-Kṣetrajña-yoga (Yoga of the Field & Knower): Distinguishing between the "Field" (the body, the mind, the world) and the "Knower" (consciousness).

Guṇatraya-vibhāga-yoga (Yoga of the Three Modes): Analyzing the three qualities of nature—Sattva (clarity), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia)—to understand what is driving our current behavior.

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In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Dr Indu Viswanathan joins us again for another edition of her Hindu at Heart series of interviews. In this one she explores the inspiring journey of Dr. Anisha Pareddy, a first-generation Hindu American physician, as she shares her childhood memories, spiritual awakening, and how her faith influences her medical career and personal life. Discover insights on Hindu identity in America, the role of gurus, and the integration of spirituality and medicine.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anisha's Journey

02:50 Growing Up Hindu in Carmel, Indiana

05:42 Cultural Identity and School Experiences

08:52 The Shift to Personal Hinduism

12:02 Academic Exploration of Religion

15:00 Finding a Guru and Spiritual Growth

17:43 Navigating Relationships and Spirituality

26:47 Hinduism: Spirituality and Practice

29:00 Navigating Relationships and Family Dynamics

36:02 The Journey to Becoming a Physician

51:31 Embracing Hindu Identity in Medicine

Keywords

Hindu American, spirituality, medicine, guru, cultural identity, Hinduism in America, cardiology, personal growth, faith, dharma

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In this conversation, Mat McDermott and Devala Rees delve into the complexities of Hinduism, particularly focusing on the Vedas and their role within various Hindu traditions. They explore the misconceptions surrounding the Vedas, the differences between Vedic and non-Vedic traditions, and the significance of Agamas in Hindu practices. The discussion also touches on the legal definitions of Hinduism as interpreted by the Indian Supreme Court, emphasizing the diversity and fluidity of Hindu identity.

Takeaways

• The Vedas are ancient compilations of spiritual teachings and philosophies.
• Not all Hindus view the Vedas as authoritative; many traditions exist outside of Vedic influence.
• The Vedas are not a singular source of moral commandments like the Bible in Christianity.
• Hinduism encompasses over 300 different traditions, each with its own sources of knowledge.
• Agamas, or tantras, are significant texts that many Hindu traditions follow instead of the Vedas.
• The Indian Supreme Court's definition of Hinduism is not universally accepted among Hindus.
• Many Hindus practice spirituality without adhering to the Vedas.
• The concept of temples in Hinduism originates from Agamic traditions, not Vedic ones.
• Hindu identity is complex and cannot be reduced to a single definition based on Vedic adherence.
• The Vedas serve as a historical touchstone but do not dictate the practices of all Hindus.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding the Vedas: An Introduction

09:41 The Role of the Vedas in Hinduism

19:54 Diverse Perspectives: Vedic vs. Non-Vedic Traditions

29:51 Agamas and Their Significance in Hindu Practices

39:44 Legal Definitions and the Supreme Court's Perspective

Keywords

Hinduism, Vedas, Agamas, Hindu traditions, spirituality, non-Vedic, religious practices, Indian culture, philosophy

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In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with filmmaker Trivikram Gajulapalli about his film 'Chiquita', which explores themes of spirituality and self-transformation through the story of a Texan biker. He shares insights into the cultural influences that shaped the film, the reception it has received from audiences, and the challenges of conveying spiritual themes in cinema. Trivikram also reflects on his experiences as a filmmaker and offers advice for others looking to create meaningful stories.

Read more: https://veenaavedika.com/trivikram-gajulapalli/ 

Takeaways

• Trivikram aims to tell cross-cultural stories through film.
• 'Chiquita' focuses on a Texan biker's journey of self-discovery.
• The film incorporates elements of Western Hinduism.
• Trivikram conducted research on the experiences of Western Hindus.
• The film's reception has been positive among its target audience.
• Character development was crucial in portraying the film's themes.
• Trivikram emphasizes the importance of subtlety in storytelling.
• Art should serve a higher purpose beyond entertainment.
• Future projects will continue to explore Indian connections in American stories.
• Filmmakers should focus on authenticity and audience engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Trivikram and His Work

02:05 Overview of 'Chiquita' and Its Themes

05:34 Exploring Western Hinduism and Cultural Influences

09:34 Spirituality vs. Religion in 'Chiquita'

11:39 Reception and Audience Response to the Film

14:01 Character Development and Casting Choices

16:35 Personal Experiences and Cultural Reflections

17:36 Hidden Elements and Symbolism in the Film

21:55 Veena Vedika and Future Projects

24:37 Advice for Filmmakers on Spiritual Themes

26:42 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Keywords

Trivikram Gajulapalli , Chiquita, Western Hinduism, spirituality, film, cultural stories, filmmaking advice

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In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with author Dheepa Maturi about her eco-thriller '108', exploring themes of ecology, climate change, and the intersection of culture and identity. They discuss the balance between fiction and reality in addressing environmental issues, the significance of Hindu themes in the narrative, and the concept of ecological grief. Dheepa emphasizes the importance of poetry in connecting with nature and the community, as well as the need for empathy in conversations across divides. The discussion also touches on the role of technology in environmental solutions and the signs of hope amidst despair.

Takeaways

• Deepa aims to present a hopeful narrative amidst climate despair.
• Ecological grief is a recognized phenomenon affecting many.
• Poetry serves as a means to connect with our emotions.
• Getting outside and connecting with nature is vital.
• Empathy is key in bridging divides in society.
• Small actions can lead to significant change.
• Technology can offer solutions but must be balanced with caution.
• The number 108 holds spiritual significance in Eastern traditions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

01:59 Overview of '108' and Its Themes

05:47 The Balance of Fiction and Reality in Climate Narratives

07:56 Hindu Themes and Ecological Perspectives

12:00 Understanding Ecological Grief

14:53 The Role of Poetry in Environmental Awareness

16:37 Connecting with Nature and Community

18:38 Empathy and Bridging Divides

19:31 Finding Hope Amidst Despair

23:28 Technology: A Double-Edged Sword

26:33 Future Projects and Closing Thoughts

Keywords

ecology, environment, climate change, ecological grief, Hindu themes, poetry, community, technology, hope, Dheepa Maturi

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In this episode of That’s So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with Dr Vijay Satnarine and Dr Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria about the often downplayed and misunderstood concept of kama in Hinduism, emphasizing the importance of desire and pleasure in achieving a balanced life. The discussion critiques the puritanical mindset that has historically downplayed these aspects, particularly in the context of modern relationships and provides insights into the psychological implications of desire, the historical context of sexuality in Hinduism, and practical steps for embracing a holistic view of intimacy and pleasure.

Takeaways

• Kama is a crucial aspect of a balanced life.
• Desire should not be rejected in the pursuit of moksha.
• The Victorian mindset has negatively influenced views on sexuality.
• Intimacy and pleasure are essential for fulfilling relationships.
• Hindu teachings advocate for a holistic understanding of desire.
• Communication about sex is vital in modern relationships.
• Historical texts show a more accepting view of sexuality.
• Pleasure should be pursued ethically and consensually.
• Understanding one's desires can lead to personal growth.
• The conversation around sexuality needs to be normalized.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kama Before Moksha

02:46 Reclaiming Desire: The Balance of Life Goals

05:58 Understanding Kama: Beyond the Sutras

08:40 The Puritanical Mindset: Historical Context

11:47 The Spectrum of Sexuality in Hinduism

14:58 The Role of Pleasure in Relationships

17:46 Navigating Modern Relationships and Intimacy

20:50 Experimentation and Mastery in Relationships

23:34 The Impact of Victorian Ideals on Hindu Thought

26:38 Addressing Swami Scandals and Human Fallibility

29:38 Practical Steps for Embracing Desire

32:45 Conclusion: Embracing a Holistic View of Desire

Keywords

Hinduism, Kama, Moksha, relationships, desire, intimacy, Victorian mindset, sexuality, spirituality, balance

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In this episode of Thats So Hindu, Mat McDermott speaks with Fred Stella (HAF) and John Morehead (Foundation for Religious Diplomacy). The conversation explores the complex dynamics of Christian-Hindu relations, focusing on proselytization efforts in India and the reactions from the Hindu community. They discuss the ethical boundaries of evangelism, the importance of understanding different religious perspectives, and the need for interfaith dialogue that respects both beliefs. They emphasize the significance of educating young Hindus about their own faith to better engage in discussions with Christians and navigate the challenges posed by missionary activities.

Takeaways

• Christian evangelism often overlooks the perspectives of those being evangelized.
• Hindus feel their spiritual identity is often treated as a problem needing a solution.
• Interfaith dialogue can foster understanding and respect between different faiths.
• Ethical evangelism should avoid coercion and respect individual beliefs.
• Education is crucial for Hindus to articulate their beliefs in interfaith discussions.
• Not all Christians share the same approach to evangelism; there are diverse perspectives.
• The Great Commission is a fundamental aspect of evangelical Christianity.
• Interfaith discussions should focus on storytelling rather than debate.
• Creating alliances with other faiths can help address anti-Hindu sentiment.
• Respectful dialogue can lead to greater understanding and cooperation among religions.

Chapters

00:00

Setting the Stage for Christian-Hindu Relations

05:59

Understanding Hindu Perspectives on Proselytization

16:49

Navigating Differences in Evangelism and Understanding

18:21

The Nature of Evangelization

23:44

Understanding the Great Commission

24:17

Exploring New Perspectives on Other Religions

27:14

Sharing Spiritual Beliefs Ethically

33:28

Experiences of Unethical Evangelism

39:03

Ethics of Evangelism in Interfaith Contexts

45:16

Finding Common Ground in Diverse Beliefs

Keywords

Christianity, Hinduism, proselytization, interfaith dialogue, evangelism, ethical boundaries, cultural relations, religious identity, Great Commission, spiritual beliefs

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