About Eddie Stern

Eddie Stern is a yoga teacher, author, researcher, and community activist based in New York City. A long-time student of Pattabhi Jois, Eddie helped bring Ashtanga Yoga to a global audience, but over time shifted his focus toward devotional practice, mantra, breathwork, and the deeper spiritual currents behind yoga. He is the creator of the Breathing App and founder of Manhattan’s first vedically consecrated Ganesh temple. Eddie’s work bridges ancient wisdom with modern science, making inner practices accessible for a new generation.

Key Topics Covered

Eddie’s early spiritual awakening and his influential high school teacher

First trip to India and the slow process of cultural immersion

Training with Pattabhi Jois and the deep dive into Ashtanga Yoga

The tension between tradition, evolution, and authenticity in yoga

Moving beyond physical practice toward breath, mantra, and ritual

Eddie’s reflections on breaking from lineage without losing reverence

Founding a Vedic temple in Manhattan and embracing a Hindu identity

How slow, resonant breathing can transform health — and life

Advice for seekers starting their spiritual journey today

Notable Quotes

💬 “You need to spend a little time each day attending to the invisible part of yourself.”
💬“We ripen at our own pace. You can’t force it — just like you can’t ripen a fruit before it’s ready.”
💬“Traditions that survive are the ones that allow themselves to evolve without losing their spirit.”
💬“The guru is not a person. The guru is a stream of knowledge that flows through people.”
💬“Everything we call tradition was created by someone who simply thought it was a good idea. Respect that — but don’t mistake it for something it’s not.”

Timestamps

00:03 — Introduction to Eddie Stern and his journey

02:50 — Eddie’s early spiritual awakening in high school

06:50 — First experiences traveling and studying in India

11:00 — From Shivananda Yoga to Ashtanga Yoga

14:00 — The ripening process: why we change only when ready

19:10 — Breaking from guru structures and lineage identities

24:00 — The evolving nature of yoga traditions

30:00 — Founding a Vedic temple in Manhattan

34:30 — Breathwork, health, and the creation of the Breathing App

38:40 — Eddie’s personal meditation and ritual practices

40:55 — Advice for people beginning their spiritual journey

Links and Resources

Eddie Stern’s Website

The Breathing App (iOS)

The Breathing App (Android)

Healing Through Breathing on Audible

One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga

Urban Yogis — Yoga and Meditation for Underserved Communities

London Meditation Centre — Learn Vedic Meditation

-----

Speaking of Meditation is written and produced by Michael Miller, with direction by Jillian Lavender and assistance from Emma Rae.

Original music by Rich Jacques.
https://www.richjacques.com

Graphics by Elle and Elle.
http://www.elleelle.com

Speaking of Meditation… What are you noticing? Who is benefitting? And how are you staying inspired?