Join Ivan and Sara Bercholz (co-owners of Shambhala Publications) in conversation with the renowned yoga teaching couple Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor. From the ‘60s music scene to transcendental philosophy, Eastern thought, holistic psychology, and integrated health, through their first discoveries of yoga and meditation and travels to India and Iran, we get a glimpse into the early experiences that carried them forward to becoming the revered yoga practitioners and teachers that they are in This Very Moment.

In this interview we learn about Richard and Mary’s early upbringing and the environment that inspired them to embark on the spiritual path. With their signature warmth, hear how Richard and Mary found their way to the Buddhist and yogic tradition through the waves of hippy counterculture, revolt against the Vietnam War, and the growing tension in the Middle East. Learn about their early interactions with their teachers K. Pattabhi Jois and B.K.S. Iyengar, and the origin story of their relationship and how they became co-teachers.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps

00:00 – Getting Started & Meet Richard and Mary

09:45 – How Breath Shapes Awareness

20:30 – Finding Balance Between Effort and Surrender

33:00 – The Mind-Body Connection in Practice

47:15 – Teachers, Mentors, and Keeping Yoga Real

59:20 – Relationships, Compassion, and Daily Life

1:12:10 – Emptiness, Wholeness, and Letting Go1:22:00 – Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

In this inaugural episode, Ivan Bercholz (co-owner of Shambhala Publications) queries John Canti, a founding member of the Padmakara Translation Group, about the path that has led him to This Very Moment.

We learn about John’s family lineage and childhood, his spiritual roots and early skepticism toward religion, as well as the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Buddhist teachings. He reflects on the impact of early teachers, pop culture, and significant encounters with key lamas, ultimately emphasizing the importance in his life of having multiple teachers. The discussion highlights the ongoing quest for understanding the nature of mind and the winding path of the journey toward that end.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Chapters:

00:00 Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche influence 

06:27 Wrapping up work in Nepal and Three-Year Retreat in France 

13:48 Lessons from the Retreat: Expectations vs. Reality 

25:19 Spending time with Dudjom Rinpoche at the end of his life 

30:01 Stories of the Kudung and bringing to Nepal

45:08 Personal Stories with Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

01:01:35 Core Teachings: Understanding Mind and Awareness 

In this inaugural episode, Ivan Bercholz (co-owner of Shambhala Publications) queries John Canti, a founding member of the Padmakara Translation Group, about the path that has led him to This Very Moment.

We learn about John’s family lineage and childhood, his spiritual roots and early skepticism toward religion, as well as the pivotal moments that led him to embrace Buddhist teachings. He reflects on the impact of early teachers, pop culture, and significant encounters with key lamas, ultimately emphasizing the importance in his life of having multiple teachers. The discussion highlights the ongoing quest for understanding the nature of mind and the winding path of the journey toward that end.

Watch this interview or read the episode show notes at shambhala.com/podcast.

Timestamps  

00:00 Introduction to Spiritual Upbringing 

06:29 Family Background and Early Influences 

10:03 Religious Perspectives and Family Dynamics 

16:30 Early Teachers and Inspirations 

21:00 Cultural Influences and Personal Growth 

29:03 Ignition of Spiritual Interest 

36:42 Exploring Buddhist Texts and Teachings 

40:24 First interactions with Lamas 

47:43 Meeting the Great Lamas: A Transformative Encounter 

51:27 The Path of Study: Balancing Medicine and Buddhism 

01:01:18 The Impact of Kangyur Rinpoche: A Lasting Impression