Spirit Matters

World Music pioneer and leading kirtan artist Jai Uttal joins us for a probing conversation about the spiritual value of music in its myriad forms and expressions. We talked about his musical roots, his discovery of the increasingly popular Indian style of call-and-response mantra chanting (kirtan), and how he and others have integrated Western instruments and motifs into traditional Indian music. We also talked about his latest album, "Dust and Tears," which features a broad range of musical styles, and the transformational impact of music that touches the heart--even when it triggers sadness or longing. Jai Uttal https://jaiuttal.com/ Find out more about Spiritual Teacher, Author, Speaker Philip Goldberg Get books by Philip Goldberg and other MindBodySpirit.fm podcast hosts in the online store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Since 1980, Gayatri Naraine has served as the United Nations representative of the Brahma Kumaris, a worldwide spiritual organization founded in India in 1937 with a strong orientation toward service work and the practice of Raja Yoga, which Gayatri has practiced for over 45 years. She is also a senior teacher at the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. We spoke about the origin and unique features of the Brahma Kumaris, its unusual emphasis on female leadership, and her work at the UN, which focuses on exploring and developing the spiritual dimension of UN programs with practical relevance to individual lives, such as its sustainable development goals. Brahma Kumaris Brahma Kumaris at the UN Find out more about Philip Goldberg Author, Speaker, Podcast Host, Spiritual Counselor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matthew Fox, the eminent theologian, author, and former Catholic priest, discusses his estrangement from the Church and his highly influential reframing of the Christian tradition with concepts such as Creation Spirituality and Original Blessing. A treasure trove of insights for everyone regardless of their path. Find out more about Matthew Fox Connect with Phil Goldberg Author, Speaker, Spiritual Counselor, Writing Coach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first major Indian guru to come to America, Swami Vivekananda set the template for all the teachers who followed - and his enormous impact persists. Here, Oxford historian Ruth Harris, author of the landmark biography "Guru to the World," explores Vivekananda's fascinating life and enduring legacy. Get the book- Guru to the World: The Life and Legacy of Vivekananda Find books by Phil Goldberg and other MindBodySpirit.fm podcast hosts in our online store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As longtime teachers and practitioners, and as co-founders of the Association for Spiritual Integrity, Jac O'Keeffe and Rick Archer have seen the good, bad, and ugly of contemporary spirituality. Here they dive into the need to promote ethical standards among spiritual teachers and ways to help seekers and students guard against spiritual abuse. Find out more about the Association for Spiritual Integrity Connect with Jac O'Keefe Ric Archer and Buddha at the Gas Pump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lively conversation with Robert Mulhall, CEO of The Kripalu Center for Yoga, and Stephen Cope, author, psychologist, and longtime Scholar in Residence at Kripalu. They discuss the fascinating history of the most prominent yoga retreat center in America, the challenges of adapting an ancient tradition to modern life, and yoga's (and Kripalu's) role in generating personal and cultural transformation. The Kripalu Center for Yoga Stephen Cope Author, Spiritual Counselor, Speaker, Philip Goldberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A penetrating conversation with the passionate and prolific expert on the world’s mystical traditions, Andrew Harvey. Andrew, the founder and director of the Institute of Sacred Activism, and author of more than 30 books, including Radical Regeneration, discusses the vital need for engaged spirituality in our times -- and much more. Find out more about Andrew Harvey Find out more about Philip Goldberg- Author, Speaker, Workshop Leader and Spiritual Counselor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deep conversation with renowned spiritual teacher Sally Kempton, author of Awakening Shakti: The Transformative Power of the Goddesses of Yoga and Meditation for the Love of It, we dive deeply into a variety of valuable topics, such as the practical implications of nonduality, the relational aspect of spirituality, working with personifications of the Divine, and meditation as play. And Sally leads us in a guided meditation. Find books from Philip Goldberg and other MindBodySpirit.fm podcast hosts in our online store Connect with Philip Goldberg - Author, Spiritual Teacher, Speaker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, the interspiritual rabbi Rami Shapiro shows us the transformational value of exploring traditions other than our own. Listen as we discuss perennial teachings across boundaries, Rami's notion of "nondual aliveness," and much more. Find out more about award winning author Rabbi Rami Shapiro Connect with Philip Goldberg here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first episode of the new Spirit Matters, we have a far-ranging, illuminating, and practical conversation with the renowned scholar of Buddhism, Robert Thurman. A close friend of the Dalai Lama and author of many books, including Wisdom is Bliss: Four Friendly Fun Facts That Can Change Your Life, Bob’s ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that everyone can understand and apply to their lives is on full display here – as is his playful wit. Get Philip Goldberg's latest book Spiritual Practice For Crazy Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices