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In this episode of A Woman’s Gita Podcast, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi sit “under the banyan tree” with Chapter 3, Verse 17–18 of the Bhagavad Gita and explore what it really means to move from constant doing to simple being. They unpack Krishna’s vision of the yogi who is no longer compelled to act, because she has discovered a deep, inner contentment and happiness in the Self alone.

Through storytelling, cross-traditional insights, and practical suggestions for daily practice, Kamala and Nischala show how the ideals of santosha (contentment) and karma yoga (selfless service) can coexist in a modern, busy, capitalist world—especially in women’s lives, where the pressure to constantly “fix, help, and manage” is so strong.

Key Topics Covered:

• The meaning of Bhagavad Gita 3.17–18:
  • “One who rejoices in the Self” and is “not compelled to act”
  • How the compulsion to act shifts from self-centered to world-centered (welfare of all)
• Santosha (contentment) as a radical practice
  • Why “I am enough” and “I have enough” are revolutionary statements in a consumer culture
  • The difference between true contentment and laziness
• From external rewards to inner fulfillment
  • How capitalist conditioning trains us to seek happiness outside ourselves
  • Atma rati: happiness generated by the Atman, not by achievement or acquisition
• The evolution from external ritual to inner realization
  • The Vedic story of the gods hiding the Atman “inside” human beings
  • How ancient ritual fire becomes internalized as the fire of awareness and meditation
• Mysticism and direct experience across traditions
  • Yoga as the mystical branch of Hinduism
  • Parallels with Christian mysticism and the Beatitudes
  • “Be still and know…” as a universal doorway to the inner Self
• Dynamic stillness and the challenge of not-doing
  • What it means to be internally vibrant while outwardly still
  • Why Western culture fears stillness and glorifies busyness
  • Practical ways to start “making in as important as out”
• Everyday practices to cultivate inner contentment
  • Short daily sittings to train the mind in “I am enough right now”
  • Using mantra at bedtime to fall asleep in a state of gentle awareness
  • Bringing santosha into a hatha yoga class as a closing practice
• From ego-driven activity to selfless service
  • How the motive for action gradually shifts from “for me” to “for the welfare of the world”
  • Why one who serves selflessly is “not affected by any being or action”

This episode is for anyone who feels exhausted by constant doing, yet senses there must be a quieter, more grounded way to live, serve, and practice yoga—right in the midst of ordinary life.

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In this episode of A Woman’s Gita Podcast, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi dive deep into Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring verses 3.15–3.16 on selfless action, universal consciousness (Brahman), and the great “wheel” of reciprocity that sustains life.

Drawing from the Gita, the Upanishads, and lived experience as women, teachers, and long-time practitioners, they unpack how karma yoga calls us to serve others without attachment to personal gain—while also honoring the very real need for boundaries, rest, and self-care, especially for women who are often conditioned to over-give.

Through stories, scriptural insight, and practical reflections, this conversation invites listeners to reimagine service not as self-erasure, but as a path to a lighter heart, deeper connection, and a more sustainable way of living in the world.

In this episode, we explore:

• The meaning of karma yoga and why “every selfless act is born from Brahman”
• Verse 3.16’s image of the “wheel” (chakra) and how all of life turns through reciprocity
• How universal consciousness expresses itself through everyday acts of service
• The danger of indulging the senses and living “in vain” by ignoring the needs of others
• The metaphor of weighing the heart against a feather and what makes a heart “light”
• Why every spiritual tradition emphasizes service as a way to purify the heart
• The tension between American individualism (“greed is good,” “look out for number one”) and the Gita’s call to selfless action
• The connection between happiness, attachment, and constant wanting (“25% more”)
• How art, music, and ritual keep the heart open in a culture that overvalues the mind
• The role of daily practices (like meditation, lighting a candle, morning/evening reflection) as modern equivalents of Vedic fire rituals
• The risk of burnout and over-giving, especially for women, mothers, and caregivers
• Why true service must be paired with self-care and healthy boundaries
• The Sufi teaching: “Never give from the depth of your well, only from the overflow”
• How the four āśramas (life stages) point to a natural shift toward more practice in later life
• Why it’s so helpful to begin spiritual practice early—not just in the “winter” of life

Tune in for a heartfelt, grounded exploration of what it really means to participate in the wheel of life with an open heart—offering, receiving, and learning to care for yourself as tenderly as you care for others.

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In this episode of A Women’s Gita Podcast, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi continue their exploration of Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita, turning toward the deep—and often misunderstood—concepts of yajna (sacrifice) and tapas (austerity, inner fire).

Drawing from traditional Gita verses, Vedic creation myths, and lived experiences as women, they unpack how sacrifice has been framed, who has been centered in those stories, and what it means to reclaim these teachings in a way that honors women, the Earth, and the interconnected web of life.

This conversation weaves together scripture, myth, feminist critique, and practical spirituality, inviting listeners to see their daily practice as an inner ritual fire that supports both personal transformation and the welfare of the world.

Key topics covered:

• What yajna really means beyond “giving something up”
• The Vedic worldview of interdependence: gods, humans, nature, and the “wish-fulfilling cow”
• The Purusha Sukta and creation as an original cosmic sacrifice
• Contrast between Vedic creation myths and the Genesis story (dominion vs. interconnection)
• How religious worldviews shape attitudes toward women and nature
• Women’s lived experience of sacrifice: childbirth, caregiving, and erasure from sacred narratives
• The role of rain, food, and ritual in sustaining life and cosmic balance
• Understanding tapas as daily, embodied practice—not extreme self-denial
• The Gayatri mantra and Bargo as the purifying inner flame
• Re-reading the Gita to include women’s voices without changing its core teachings

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Step beyond traditional boundaries in "Beyond Patriarchy: Reclaiming the Feminine in Sacred Texts." In this special episode, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi celebrate a year of groundbreaking dialogue by exploring how women’s voices have historically been sidelined in spiritual traditions—and how they are reclaiming their rightful place today. Drawing on the legacy of the Seneca Falls Convention and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and examining the Bhagavad Gita through a contemporary, inclusive lens, the hosts dive deep into how reclaiming the feminine transforms both faith and society.

Key topics covered:

• The historic Seneca Falls Convention and its relevance to modern women’s rights
• The influence of the Declaration of Sentiments and the Woman's Bible
• The impact of patriarchy in both Western and Eastern religious traditions
• How religious texts have reinforced and now challenge women’s subjugation
• The importance of gender-neutral, inclusive interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures
• Celebrating Chapter 9, Sloka 32 of the Gita as a verse of empowerment and equality
• The role of spirituality versus institutional religion in fostering freedom and equality
• Personal stories of empowerment, sisterhood, and advocacy in the yoga and spiritual communities

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Join hosts Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi as they take a deep dive into the heart of Karma Yoga through the lens of Loka Sangraha—the Vedic ideal of acting for the highest good of all. Drawing on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, personal experiences, and practical wisdom, this episode explores how selfless service can be woven into our daily actions, attitudes, and communities. Whether through small gestures, community aid, or deep reflection, learn how living for the collective benefit uplifts us all.

Key topics covered:

• The meaning and significance of Loka Sangraha in the context of Karma Yoga
• Acting without attachment: Bringing benefit to all and harm to none
• Reciprocity and interconnectedness: How individual actions ripple through the community
• Practical ways to practice selfless service in everyday situations
• Overcoming unconscious bias and cultivating humility
• Women’s unique challenges and contributions to service
• The spiritual power of small acts of kindness
• Stories and lessons from real-life mutual aid experiences

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Join hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose as they explore the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, focusing on Karma Yoga and the importance of transcending unconscious bias in our actions. This episode delves into how meditation and self-inquiry can help us recognize hidden motives and embrace the path of selfless service. Through insightful discussion and real-life examples, discover how to transform daily actions into offerings that promote both personal growth and the welfare of society.

Key topics covered:

• Understanding Karma Yoga and its relevance in the modern world
• The role of unconscious bias in shaping our actions and perceptions
• How meditation aids in self-awareness and transcending prejudice
• Aligning thought, word, and deed for genuine selfless action
• Practical steps for mindful giving and serving others without attachment
• The balance between engaging with the world and maintaining inner clarity
• Stories and examples illustrating self-inquiry and service in daily life

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Join hosts Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi as they explore Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita through a feminine lens. In this episode, they delve into the often-overlooked themes of devotion, the ethic of care, and the unique wisdom women bring to spiritual practice. Through personal stories and thoughtful analysis, Kamala and Nischala reframe traditional interpretations of karma yoga, highlighting the importance of heart, compassion, and purposeful action in both ancient and modern contexts.

Key topics covered:

• The distinction between the paths of knowledge (jnana yoga) and action (karma yoga)
• The missing element of devotion (bhakti) in traditional interpretations
• The ethic of care versus the ethic of justice in women’s lives
• The role of women as nurturers and spiritual teachers
• Understanding Samadhi (perfection) in everyday life
• The interplay between spirit and nature, and honoring both
• The importance of non-attachment without losing compassion
• Ahimsa (non-harm) as a foundational principle for action
• Reimagining karma yoga for modern women and communities

Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation that brings new depth to the timeless teachings of the Gita.

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In this episode, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi dive into the profound dilemmas faced by Arjuna at the start of Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita. Together, they explore how the ancient text’s teachings on knowledge, action, and devotion remain deeply relevant to our modern lives. Through personal stories, historical parallels, and spiritual insights, the hosts examine how we can reconcile the wisdom of philosophy with the realities of conflict—both on the battlefield and in everyday life.

Key topics covered:

• Arjuna’s crisis: The struggle between knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and action (Karma Yoga)
• The importance of devotion (Bhakti) and compassion in spiritual practice
• The concept of the higher good (Shreya) versus personal gratification (Preya)
• Parallels between ancient battles and modern-day moral dilemmas
• The impact of war on women and the role of rebuilding after conflict
• Trusting teachers and the process of spiritual growth
• Reflections on historical wars and their influence on spiritual movements
• The enduring relevance of the Gita’s teachings in contemporary society

Join us as we unpack the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and consider what it means to serve a higher good in today’s world.