Emma Balnaves is an internationally respected teacher of the traditional forms and philosophies of Hatha Yoga. She has been teaching yoga since 1995.

Emma was introduced to yoga in her early teens when she became intrigued by the mystery of the practices and the feelings they evoked inside her. After studying visual communication, majoring in photography at university, and working in the creative arts in Sydney, New York, and London, Emma committed herself to a life of teaching yoga. Her early training began with a three-year apprenticeship at the Hatha Yoga Shala in Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia.

After decades of in-depth study and research in yoga, Ayurveda, and other internal arts, Emma began incorporating the full spectrum of the yogic process in her teaching.

In 2019 she completed her first film Agniyogana, which she was inspired to create as a way to share the essence of these teachings and bring a better understanding of all aspects of the practice.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Emma sheds light on Nepal’s influence and contribution to yoga, particularly with respect the Hatha Yoga

— The teachings of Nrtta (“pure dance) and how it has informed the teachings of Shadow Yoga

— Explore nrtta, karana, and the forms relating to Lord Shiva that have arisen through and are associated with Chidambaram Temple in Southern India

— Teachings of the charana-s

— Emma’s suggestions and wisdom around the essential components that comprise complete practice and sadhana

WEBSITE: https://shadowyoga.com/about

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shadow_yoga/ & https://www.instagram.com/agniyoganafilm/

RESOURCES: https://shadowyoga.com/resources

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com//

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Drdha Vrata Gorrick learned classical arts for several years in South India from renowned iconography Masters and has established himself as one of the leading experts and teachers of Vedic iconography.

He has traveled the world exhibiting his works and conducting classes with the aim to introduce and promote the ancient art form.

Drdha’s works are in various private collections around the globe and his students are also spread far and wide.

IN THIS RICH EPISODE:

— Drdha’s fascinating and serendipitous personal story how the seeds of India and art have been woven throughout all facets of his life.

— Unpacking the sacred Shilpa Shastra (ancient texts and treatise on classical Indian art and iconography)

— Some of the rituals from the Shilpa Shastra that are performed when creating traditional art (such as the Dhyanashloka)

— The key rules and guidelines when creating a form of any deity or murti

— What to look for when purchasing Indian art, such as a statue/murti

— Learn of a few profound insights around temple construction and architecture

CONNECT WITH DRDHA:

Website: https://www.divyakala.com/

Instagram: @drdha_art / https://www.instagram.com/drdha_art

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Dr. Raj Balkaran is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative texts and author of “The Stories Behind the Poses”. He is a Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and Founder of the online Indian Wisdom School where he integrates scholarship, storytelling and spirituality to apply ancient Indian wisdom teachings to modern life. Beyond research, speaking and teaching, he runs a thriving one-on-one life guidance and runs transformative retreats in stunning global settings.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Raj’s life path and love story with rich literacy and story alongside his scholarly work and spiritual exploration

— A wonderful story from the Chandogya Upanishad

— The evolution of tradition

— Story pedagogy and frame narratives

— Exploration of the meaning of “myth” and “mythology”

— The powerful impact and value behind the timeless stories

— The driving motivation and process behind the creation of The Stories Behind the Poses

— Considerations of the application of stories into yoga asana environments

CONNECT WITH RAJ:

Website: www.rajbalkaran.com & www.indianwisdomschool.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianwisdomschool/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indianwisdomschool

LISTEN TO RAJ via these podcasts:

— Indian Wisdom School

— New Books in Indian Religions (New Books Network)

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/