In this riveting conversation, we sit down with Raghu Markus to delve into the profound connection between psychedelics and spiritual traditions. Journey with us as Raghu shares his intimate experiences with the famous Indian guru, Neem Karoli Baba (a.k.a. Maharajji) and Ram Dass, exploring how these encounters shaped his understanding of universal love, non-duality, and the integration of psychedelics into spiritual practice.

Uncover the powerful stories of Ram Dass’s evolution from psychedelic seeker to spiritual teacher, and the remarkable teachings of Neem Karoli Baba. We’ll discuss the concept of "siddhis," the legacy of these spiritual luminaries, and how their insights bridge Eastern and Western spiritualities.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the synthesis of psychedelics and spirituality, offering rich insights, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of these transformative practices.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🧘 Integration of Psychedelics and Spirituality
🧘 Ram Dass and Neem Karoli Baba
🧘 Personal Transformation Through Spiritual Practices
🧘 Siddhis and Spiritual Presence
🧘 The Legacy of Ram Dass
🧘 The Hanuman Chalisa
🧘 The Love Serve Remember Foundation and Be Here Now Network

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Raghu Markus

Raghu Markus spent 18 months in India with Neem Karoli Baba and Ram Dass. He has been involved in music and transformational media since the early 1970s, when he was program director of CKGM-FM in Montreal.

In 1974, he collaborated with Ram Dass on the box set Love Serve Remember. In 1990, he launched Triloka Records, which established itself as a critical leader in the development of world music. For 17 years, Triloka was home to such artists as Krishna Das, Hugh Masekela, Walela, Jai Uttal and transformational media projects that featured Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra, and Les Nubians.

Raghu lives in Ojai, California, and is the Executive Director of the Love Serve Remember Foundation. In 2016, he co-founded the Be Here Now Network, where he hosts the Ram Dass Here & Now podcast, as well as his own Mindrolling podcast. He is the producer of Becoming Nobody, a Ram Dass documentary feature film that was released in 2019.

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What if a near-death experience could radically reshape your understanding of life? 

In this episode, Dr. Eben Alexander shares the profound insights he gained from his own extraordinary NDE (Near Death Experience), following a week-long coma induced by a rare E. coli bacterial meningoencephalitis. Dr. Alexander takes us on a journey through otherworldly realms, including a light-filled portal and encounters with angelic beings. His experience, alongside remarkable NDEs from figures like Anita Morjani, Dr. Mary C. Neal and many others, offers a compelling challenge to conventional materialist views on consciousness.

Transitioning from a successful neurosurgeon to a prominent speaker and author, Dr. Alexander explores the scientific and spiritual implications of moving beyond materialist preconceptions. He delves into scientific studies on NDEs, consciousness and the afterlife, shedding light on the profound interconnectedness of consciousness through love.

This episode offers a hopeful perspective on the power of love and collective consciousness, emphasising the potential for spiritual awakening to foster peace and harmony in our world.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
✨ Introduction to Dr. Eben's Journey and NDE
✨ Challenging Conventional Views on Consciousness
✨ Groundbreaking Research on NDEs & Consciousness
✨ Transformative Practices for Deepening Awareness
✨ The Power of 'Life Reviews' and Deep Time in the Afterlife
✨ Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned
✨ The Immense Potential of Spiritual Awakening
✨ Closing Thoughts and Further Exploration

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dr Eben Alexander

Dr. Eben Alexander, a former academic neurosurgeon with over 25 years of experience, including 15 years at Harvard Medical School, has treated numerous patients with severe brain conditions. In 2008, he experienced a week-long coma caused by a rare bacterial infection. During this time, he had a profound near-death experience that transformed his understanding of consciousness, suggesting it exists beyond the brain.

His journey is documented in his bestseller "Proof of Heaven," which stayed on the New York Times Bestseller list for over a year. His subsequent books, "The Map of Heaven" and "Living in a Mindful Universe," further explore the intersection of science and spirituality.

Dr. Alexander has been featured on major media outlets like The Dr. Oz Show, Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday, and ABC's Good Morning America. He continues to share his insights through lectures, interviews, and collaborations with co-author Karen Newell, focusing on the deeper connections between science and spirituality.

Resources:

• Dr Eben’s Instagram Account (@ebenalex3md) – HERE
• Dr Eben’s Website – HERE

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Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

Discover how to transform inner turmoil into profound peace, even in the most challenging environments. Join us for an enlightening conversation with Patti Montella, a best-selling author and senior faculty member of the Art of Living, as she shares her extraordinary journey of teaching yoga, meditation, and breathwork to over 10,000 people worldwide. 

From Navy SEALs to serious trauma victims, Patti's practices foster love and resilience, driving profound personal and societal change. Explore how meditation and mindfulness transcend socio-economic and geographical boundaries, fostering compassion, community, and personal growth across diverse communities, from conservative towns in North Carolina to conflict-ridden areas in the Philippines.

We delve into integrating these transformative practices into high-stress sectors like the corporate world and the military, where Patti shares compelling stories of improved performance across the board. 

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🧘 Importance of Knowing & Understanding Your Audience
🧘 Impact of Meditation & Breathwork on Various Professions
🧘 Faith, Compassion, and Community Healing
🧘 Challenges and Breakthroughs in High-Stress Environments
🧘 The Art of Living’s Global Impact
🧘 Practical Tips for Personal Growth

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Patti Montella

Patti is a best-selling author, international speaker and senior faculty member with the Art of Living Foundation and the International Association for Human Values.

For over 25 years, she has had the honour of teaching tens of thousands of people proven techniques and tools that lead to dynamic personal and organizational transformation, and now it’s your turn.

She believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live life to their greatest human potential.

Her lifework is dedicated to the upliftment of humanity by sharing spiritual wisdom in a relatable, inspiring and practical manner.

Moving in integrity, leading with kindness and compassion and navigating this world with a light-heart, are among my core values.

I does not just believe it’s possible to be successful, fulfilled and authentically happy; I know it to be true.

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Prepare to transform your understanding of foot health and athletic performance.

This episode promises to unravel the secrets of minimalist footwear and its profound impact on conditions that plague so many, including bunions and plantar fasciitis. With Steve, a top sprinter with age-defying speed, we explore how maintaining physical function as we age isn't just a dream but an achievable reality. Get ready to rethink your daily routines and the very shoes you wear, as we invite you to consider how a barefoot lifestyle might just be the key to a stronger, healthier you.

As Steve divulges the intricacies of sprinting, you'll gain insights into a sport that demands both explosive power and mental resilience. We also peer into his personal life, revealing a morning routine that primes him for success — from sunrise sprints with his dog to soaking in a hot tub. This isn't just about elite athletes though; it's a testament to how our choices in footwear can have ripple effects on our entire biological well-being. Learn why your feet are the foundation of your health and how you can unleash their potential by stepping into the world of natural footwear.

From the ethics of conventional shoe making to the truth about grounding and natural movement, this episode is packed with revelations. By the time you've finished listening, not only will you be inspired to embrace a more 'barefoot' lifestyle, but you'll also be equipped with the knowledge to make choices that could profoundly impact your feet, and in turn, your overall health.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Steven Sashen

Steven is the visionary and marketer for Xero Shoes. He is a Masters All-American sprinter (one of the fastest men over the age of 50 in the US) and former All-American gymnast. He was also a professional stand-up comic, cognitive psychology researcher, and taught Tai Chi and Zen Archery. Steven is also the creator of Scriptware, the industry-standard word processor for film and TV writers.

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Journey the mystical realms of Kundalini awakenings with my guest, Kim Nguyen.

From full-time corporate architect to being bombarded with radical spiritual energies, at first Kim was overwhelmed with kundalini energies, but now is evolving to work with it.

Kim is now touring the world to meet one-on-one with renown artists to rapidly boost their creativity through techniques she is still learning about “what the hell is manifesting through me”.

But before that, it wasn’t easy for Kim.

We dive into the challenges of straddling the spiritual and mundane worlds, as well as candid tales of first-hand-experiences wrestling with involuntary movements akin to trying to tame a thunderstorm within and the subsequent quest for acceptance and harmony with this new energy.

In her journey navigating a radical kundalini awakening Kim encountered spirits, and learned to harness a newfound creativity.

From wrestling with inner turmoil to becoming a beacon of inspiration for others, Kim's odyssey is a masterclass in spiritual transformation.

As we wrap up this session, we reflect on the essential role of support systems in grounding these ethereal experiences.

You'll hear about the lifelines that teachers and therapists provide, acting as buoys in the vast ocean of spiritual awakening.

Get ready for a journey where each step on the serpentine path of Kundalini awakening is met with wisdom, understanding, and shared discovery.
Tune in now to unlock the secrets of the inner self!

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🐍 An Introduction to Kundalini Awakening
🐍 How To Handle These Overwhelming Experiences
🐍 Sleep Disruption and Spiritual Awareness
🐍 Expanded Sensory Perception and Subtle Realms
🐍 Stabilisation and Integration
🐍 Seeking Mentorship and Guidance

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Kim Nguyen

Kim Nguyen is a Vedic Meditation teacher dedicated to helping you experience a deeper sense of awareness to navigate life's demands with grace and ease.  Her teaching is rooted in the Vedic tradition, which focuses on becoming in tune with one’s Self.  She provides guidance and support to help others become self-sufficient on their lifelong meditation journey. 

As an architect and engineer with a range of scientific and philosophical interests, she offers her unique perspective on spiritual practice.  She is a certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher with trauma-informed training.  She learned to teach Vedic Meditation from Thom Knoles of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s lineage, and was ordained in the Shankaracharya tradition. 

Kim's home base is in Los Angeles, where she teaches private and group classes.  She also travels worldwide to teach workshops and retreats.

RESOURCES:
Spiritual Awakenings International
frogwi.com

Related Listens:

• What Actually Is Kundalini: The Bio-Energetic Force | Dylan Smith #126
• Journey Through Kundalini: Terror, Ecstasy, and Transformation | Marcus Hamill #129

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Embark on a transformative journey with me, as I recount a decade's worth of profound Ayurvedic wisdom and personal growth, marking Vital Veda's 10-year milestone.

Feel the anticipation as I unveil pivotal lessons from my health voyage and the enlightening encounters with my esteemed Ayurvedic mentors, the Raju family of Vaidyas (Ayurvedic Physicians), during their recent trip to Australia.

This episode is brimming with intimate reflections on my dietary choices and the eye-opening realities of addiction in Australia, all woven into actionable advice that promises to rejuvenate your digestion, boost your vigor, and elevate your well-being.

Savor the essence of ancient Ayurvedic practices harmonised with contemporary health challenges, as this conversation unfolds numerous gems of wellness. This episode is an open invitation to reshape your approach to health and join a community that's a decade in the making.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🪷 Mixing Hot and Cold Drinks
🪷 Reheating Foods
🪷 Buttermilk (Takra) Consumption
🪷 Coffee and Caffeine Addiction
🪷 Breakfast Habits
🪷 Upcoming In-Depth Learning Opportunities

RESOURSES:

Learn More About The Raju Family Australia Visit April 2024 HERE

Book In With The Rajus in April HERE

Raju Family Retreat: Advanced Techniques in Marma, Pulse & Abhyaṅga with Vaidyas Harsha & Pavani Raju

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On this podcast episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Emmy-nominated documentarist, Michael Collins, to discuss his upcoming film release, ”Intuition” showcasing one set of techniques to unlock the hidden potential within children, by means of a simple yet highly sophisticated practice (sadhana).

On this episode we delve into the fascinating stories of children who have gone through this ‘intuition process', as well as discuss the huge implications and impact this will have on society.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🪽 The Art Of Living Intuition Course
🪽 Michael's Involvement Documenting "The Intuition Process"
🪽 What Is Intuition On A Profound Spiritual Level
🪽 The Studies Being Done On The Intuition Process
🪽 How Children Are Manifesting Diverse "Superhuman" Capabilities
🪽 The Deeper Transformative Impact Of This Spiritual Practice & Consciousness Expansion

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Michael Collins

Michael Collins is a multiple-time Emmy® Award-nominated filmmaker and the founder of Thoughtful Robot, a film production company dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and connection.

As a respected figure in the film industry, Michael served as the President of the Jury at the Flahertiana International Film Festival in Perm, Russia, in September 2018. He also participated as a jury member at the Telluride Mountainfilm festival in May 2019, where his film had previously won the Moving Mountains Award three years earlier. Michael's work continues to make a significant impact, earning critical acclaim and recognition for its compelling narratives and societal contributions.

RESOURCES:

Michael's Instagram Account (@mjc_collins) - HERE

Tax-Deductible donation page for the film - HERE

-

The Intuition Process by The Art of Living - HERE

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When the soulful rhythms of Kirtan music and the rich wisdom of Bhakti Yoga merge, a portal to spiritual ecstasy opens.

For this episode I had the privilege of sitting down with Vijay Krishna from the Kirtaniyas, whose life story is as enchanting as the mantras he chants.

Vijay's journey is a testament to the transformative power of devotional music. His insight into balancing the reverence for tradition with the vibrancy of personal expression invites us all to find our unique spiritual cadence.

Together, we traversed the narrative landscapes from his birth, cradled by mantras, to the magic of performing Kirtan in unexpected venues across the globe.

Our discussion ventured into the heart of Bhakti Yoga, underscoring the embracing of the beautiful nature of this path. 

Vijay's experiences as a mixed-race individual in the world of sacred music reveal the universality of mantras beyond cultural divides, inviting us to embrace a broader perspective on devotion and inclusivity.

Embark on this sonorous journey where we shed light on the intimate ripples of evening ragas along India's sacred rivers, the electrifying fusion of Kirtan with contemporary genres, and celebrate unity through diversity.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🪷 The Soulful Origins of Vijay Krishna
🪷 Balancing Tradition and Personal Expression
🪷 Bhakti Yoga and Inclusivity
🪷 Multicultural Influences in Devotional Music
🪷 The Heartwarming Connections Made Through Kirtaniyas' Music

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Vijay Krishna

Vijay Krsna is a Kirtan singer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and entrepreneur from the UK. He studied devotional Indian folk music known as “Kirtan” in the sacred village of Vrindavana, India. 

Joined together with his musically gifted wife Sarasvati, soulful vocalist Rasika and drummer Nitai, Vijay formed the Kirtaniyas in 2009, a california-based collective of energetic, multitalented kirtan artists.

Vijay composes phenomenal hybrids of traditional Bengali, Braj and Sanskrit Kirtan and Mantras with cross-cultural musical influences, subsonic bass and World-beat music.

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Imagine returning from a serene holiday only to be thrust into a world where your deepest fears and brightest epiphanies collide. 

Embark on a transformative journey with Yoga teacher Marcus Hamill as he shares the unexpected onset of his Kundalini awakening post-vacation. On this episode we explore the delicate dance between terror and bliss, unraveling personal encounters with this mystifying energy that is Kundalini 🐍.

This episode delves into the night when Marcus faced the raw terror and ecstasy of confronting his inner darkness, revealing the resilience of the human spirit. As we emerge into the light of understanding, we discuss the non-linear progression of healing, the guidance of teachers & mentors, and the anchoring practices that become the most useful during these challenging times.

Join us for a profound exploration of consciousness, where every breath brings self-discovery and every heartbeat echoes the mantra of our collective transformational odyssey. Trust in the divine order becomes the guiding force, reconnecting with our true Selves, overcoming fear, and embracing the non-linear path to healing. Tune in for an immersive experience, breathing deeply into the essence of kundalini awakening and self-discovery.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🐍 Journey Into Kundalini
🐍 Personal Experiences With Kundalini
🐍 Facing Inner Darkness
🐍 The Journey Towards Understanding
🐍 Guidance and Mentorship - The Light Of Guru
🐍 Reconnecting With The Younger Self

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Marcus Hamill

The Sattva Life co-founder Marcus Hamill, is a Master trained Sattva Meditation, Breathwork and Kriya Yoga teacher, Therapeutic Breathwork facilitator, and expert in the field of consciousness and human potential. Marcus has a unique ability to illuminate the depths of these ancient wisdom practices, in a style that is grounded and highly relevant to modern life.

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