Let's talk about something a little controversial today… the forces of evil. 👀

How do different wisdom traditions frame temptation, demons, and the dark forces that often appear right before a spiritual breakthrough?

I'll explore the story of Eve in the garden, Jesus in the desert, and Buddha under the Bodhi tree, comparing how each figure faces illusion, doubt, and distraction—and what we can learn from them in our own practice.

I'll also break down how yogic philosophy (and Hinduism more broadly) defines the "enemy" very differently—from the ego as adversary to karmic patterns of desire and delusion. We'll explore:

🔹 Why the darkest moments often come before awakening

🔹 Jesus vs. Mara: how two traditions handle temptation

🔹 The serpent's tactic: twist truth, create doubt

🔹 Why contentment (Santosha) is spiritual protection

🔹 Vedanta's view: ego, craving, and identification as the true 'enemy'

🔹 How to tell if you're in a "spiritual setup" moment

This is part one of a two-part conversation exploring temptation, truth, and the psychological and spiritual forces we encounter on the path. Whether you're deep into the Gita or just navigating your own spiritual uplevel, this one's for you.

💖 Ready to deepen your practice and live from your true nature? Explore the Uplifted Membership here => https://www.brettlarkin.com/uplifted/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=uplifted

Book mentioned: Deceived No More by Doreen Virtue

FREE Practice: 10 Min Kundalini Kriya For Awakening For Beginners | GUIDED KUNDALINI MEDITATION

Relevant Blog: What Is Santosha? Yoga's Philosophy of Happiness.

Relevant to Today's Episode:

✅ History of Yoga

📖 Yoga Life Book

🐍 Yoga for Self Mastery

💖 Uplifted Membership

🎧 Also Listen to:

#362 – Somatics, Catholicism & Tantra – A Big Picture Inquiry

#395 – The Role of "God" in Yoga + Tantric Shadow Work w/ Katie Silcox

#408 - Aparigraha vs. Hustle Culture: I Quit Maximizing. Here's What Happened

© 2026 Uplifted Yoga | BrettLarkin.com