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Integral Yoga Podcast

Integral Yoga Podcast

De: Integral Yoga
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A podcast about spirituality, community, and living with integrity.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Integral Yoga Ciencias Sociales Espiritualidad Higiene y Vida Saludable
Episodios
  • What the Torah Really Teaches About Food, Animals & the Soul | Ep. 145 with Akiva Gersh

    What the Torah Really Teaches About Food, Animals & the Soul | Ep. 145 with Akiva Gersh
    Mar 31 2026
    In this conversation, Akiva shares what Torah actually teaches about animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and our responsibility to all living beings. We explore the Kabbalistic understanding of food and spiritual elevation, why so many rabbis who are vegetarian or vegan keep it to themselves, and what conscious eating has to do with the soul.We also talk about the relationship between inner work and outer activism, the power of silence — in the desert, at the Shabbat table, and in meditation — and the profound Jewish teaching that the sin of Adam and Eve wasn't what they ate, but how they ate.Whether you're Jewish or not, vegan or not, this episode will change the way you think about what you put on your plate — and why it matters.🌿 Topics we explore:• What Torah says about animal welfare and the environment• The Kabbalistic teaching that we are what we eat — spiritually• Why more rabbis don't speak openly about veganism• Eating as meditation and sacred practice• Silence, the desert, and inner listening• Tikkun olam: how personal choices heal the world• Vegan matchmaking in the Jewish communityAkiva Gersh is originally from New York and moved to Israel in 2004. He has a BA from Brown University, an MA in Jewish Education from Yeshiva University and rabbinic ordination from Yeshivat Sulam Yaakov in Jerusalem. Akiva has been working in the field of Jewish Education for 25 years and in 2020 Akiva created the online platform "Vegan Rabbi" to share ancient Jewish teachings that promote compassion for animals and support going vegan in our world today.🔗 Learn more about Akiva's work: www.akivagersh.comInstagramFacebookIf this episode moved you, please share it with someone who might need it.——————————————————————CHAPTERS——————————————————————0:00 Introduction — Akiva's journey from suburban New York to Torah and veganism1:58 Going vegetarian at college, then vegan at 19 — activism as a spiritual calling3:15 Discovering that Judaism had always taught about animals and the environment5:05 What Torah actually says: stewardship, compassion for animals, not wasting7:17 Adam and Eve placed in the Garden "to serve and protect" — the original mandate8:26 Why more observant Jews don't embrace these teachings — and Akiva's honest answer11:33 The role of rabbis: how one big rabbi going vegan could change thousands of lives overnight15:14 Sharing truth vs. protecting community — the tension at the heart of change18:08 Inner work and outer activism — how Judaism holds both in balance21:41 The Rebbe who put out his cigarette — being open to new information23:40 Does eating suffering animals affect our spiritual level? A deep conversation25:37 Kabbalistic teaching: we are what we eat — spiritually. Sparks, soul, and food27:07 The Baal Shem Tov who sat and cried with an animal before slaughter30:24 Eating consciously — chewing, silence, and food as meditation31:51 The teaching that the sin of Adam and Eve was HOW they ate, not what they ate33:08 The month of Shvat and fixing our relationship with food35:17 Closing your eyes while eating — the unexpected power of silence at meals37:34 The desert, the prophets, and why silence speaks — midbar / medaber39:10 Falling in love with Shabbat and the Jewish system of blessings40:55 Gratitude as the foundation of joy — Jewish blessings throughout the day42:32 Fitting in vs. being yourself — navigating community as a vegan in observant life47:25 How Akiva responds when challenged — and why he welcomes the debate51:30 An ultra-orthodox rabbi who says the future is meatless — a surprising source56:15 Animal sacrifice in the Torah — how Akiva makes peace with the difficult parts58:58 Vegan matchmaking — helping Jewish vegans find each other1:00:22 Finding a partner who shares your values around food and living1:02:11 Closing reflections — community, individuality, and thriving as yourself Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • When the Dying Speak in Rhyme: A Journey Through Grief, Art, and Presence

    When the Dying Speak in Rhyme: A Journey Through Grief, Art, and Presence
    Mar 5 2026

    What happens to the mind when the brain begins to fail? After a traumatic brain injury changed her own pace of life, Kirana Stover found herself bedside with her dying mother—an experience that transformed from a season of grief into a surreal, poetic masterclass in presence.


    In this episode, Kirana Stover, a long-time Integral Yoga teacher and center head in Barcelona discusses her moving new book documenting her mother’s final months. Kirana shares the "vignettes" of their time together, including the extraordinary moment her mother began communicating solely in rhyme, and how the "slower pace" forced by her own recovery allowed her to stay fully present for her mother’s transition.


    Topics include:

    - The Yoga of Dying: How spiritual practice prepares us for the "portal" of death.

    - Mind vs. Brain: Insights from hospice care on how consciousness functions when the physical body declines.

    - Art as Presence: Using painting and sketching to anchor oneself in heavy emotional realities.

    -The Role Reversal: Transitioning from daughter to "reassurance" and caregiver.

    -Ancestral Connection: How losing a parent can deepen our sense of those who came before us.


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    Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Kirana was first introduced to Integral Yoga in 1982. In 1993 she became a certified Hatha yoga teacher and since 2001 has been the director of the Integral Yoga Center in Barcelona, Spain.


    In 2023 she returned to Virginia to be with her mom who was in hospice. Mom’s in There is imbued with the essence of the Integral Yoga teaching “Truth is One, Paths are Many”. Her time with her mother was punctuated by a trip to Yogaville; she also spent a week there after her mother “transitioned”. This helped her integrate and understand both her time with her mom, and her own spiritual practice at a deeper level.


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    Buy the Book: Brandy Lane Publishers (Also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshops.org)




    #IntegralYoga #GriefAndLoss #Mindfulness #EndofLife #SpiritualAwakening #Presence #YogaPhilosophy

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    51 m
  • From Backpacker to Yogi: Dr. Michael Muktan Sullivan's Journey with Swami Satchidananda & Ayurveda Secrets

    From Backpacker to Yogi: Dr. Michael Muktan Sullivan's Journey with Swami Satchidananda & Ayurveda Secrets
    Feb 17 2026

    "Health is very simple. It's disease that's complicated."


    Join Dr. Michael Muktan Sullivan as he shares his incredible spiritual journey from backpacking across Europe and India in the 1970s to becoming a devoted disciple of Swami Satchidananda. Discover how yoga, Buddhism, and Ayurveda transformed his life, including firsthand stories of selfless service, karma yoga, and the power of a true guru. Perfect for anyone seeking inspiration on meditation, health, and living with purpose.


    In this episode:


    - Travel adventures in India and Thailand

    - First encounters with yoga and meditation

    - Life at the ashram and teacher training

    - Insights on Ayurveda as a lifestyle for balance and wellness

    - Lessons on unconditional love, ego, and divine guidance


    Timestamps:

    00:00 - Intro & Meeting Gurudev

    00:36 - Backpacking to India in 1973

    01:53 - Living in a Buddhist Monastery

    03:08 - Discovering Hatha Yoga & First Retreat

    05:07 - Introduction to Ayurveda

    08:14 - Power of Selfless Service

    14:56 - Gurudev's Presence & Impact

    19:10 - Relationship with the Guru

    22:38 - Practical Wisdom & Curiosity

    26:53 - Divine Guidance in Life

    30:52 - Overcoming Ego & Fear

    35:12 - Unconditional Love & Self-Realization

    37:05 - Defining Ayurveda: Science of Life

    39:36 - Health as a Lifelong Journey

    46:57 - Illness, Karma, & Honesty

    49:10 - Closing Thoughts & Gratitude


    Dr. Michael Muktan Sullivan, is a Chiropractor and yoga instructor for the past 45 years. He is a diplomat from the International Ayurvedic Institute and has studied and worked at the Ayurvedic Hospital in Caimbatore, South India and completed Advanced Studies in Pune, India. He is a lecturer and workshop leader in back care, Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda.


    For more information and to get in touch with Dr. Sullivan, visit: riverviewspa.com

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    If you're into yoga stories, spiritual growth, Ayurveda tips, or Swami Satchidananda teachings, hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications for more inspiring podcasts!


    #YogaJourney #Ayurveda #SwamiSatchidananda #SpiritualAwakening #SelflessService

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    50 m
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