Best Jvala Singh Podcasts (2025)

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SPX SZN 2, EP 10: Composing Gurbani Along the Yamuna River 11:00

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1M ago11:00

11:00

This episode was recorded while sitting in the Yamuna River - where Guru Gobind Singh used to compose Gurbani. In this episode you'll hear how Guru Gobind Singh sat on these very banks of the Yamuna River in the early morning, to compose Gurbani, before hunting in the later part of the day. The episode also discusses the Guru's plan to send Dayaram…

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 9: Punishment of the Masands 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh along with Punjab Kaur carry out the punishment of the corrupt Masands, who burned the Exalted Ram Rai alive. This relates to Chapter 9 of Season (rut) 2.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 8: Preparations for Punishing the Masands 10:33

2M ago10:33

10:33

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh sets up the arrangements for the masands to be punished - following their brutal assassination of Ram Rai. This relates to Chapter 8 of Season 2.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 7: Punjab Kaur's Letter to the Guru 10:36

3M ago10:36

10:36

In this episode hear how Punjab Kaur sends a letter to Guru Gobind Singh, requesting support to punish the evil Masands who killed Ramrai. This relates to Chapter 7 of season (rut) 2.By Jvala Singh

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51. Sunila Kale and Christian Novetzke | The Yoga of Power 1:12:23

3M ago1:12:23

1:12:23

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Sunila Kale and Dr. Christian Novetzke from the University of Washington about their recent publication, The Yoga of Power: Yoga as Political Thought and Practice in India (Columbia 2025). We discuss the genesis of their book beginning with court cases in both the U.S. and India involving yoga and politics, an und…

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Guru Arjan's Martyrdom [shahidi] - Longform 45:28

3M ago45:28

45:28

This podcast is the first of a limited number of longform podcasts that highlight significant events from The Suraj Podcast. This extended podcast is a compilation of episodes 90-93 of The Suraj Podcast recounting the martyrdom [shahidi] of Guru Arjan Dev Ji. For those that wish to enjoy even further context, we encourage listening to episodes 86-8…

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 6: Ramrai's End 10:48

4M ago10:48

10:48

In this episode we hear of Ramrai's end - brought about by his own corrupt Masands. This relates to Chapter 6 of Season (rut) 2.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 5: The Story of Ram Kaur 11:04

5M ago11:04

11:04

In this episode hear the story of Ram Kaur, Ramrai's eldest wife. This relates to Chapter 5 of Season (rut) 2.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 4: Guru Gobind Singh Composing His Bani 10:59

5M ago10:59

10:59

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh composes his poetry along the banks of the Yamuna River before visiting Kapal Mochan, where he playfully deceives many pilgrims.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 3: Ramrai Meets Guru Gobind Singh 12:51

5M ago12:51

12:51

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh and his Sikhs train in martial arts before meeting with Ramrai on a boat in the middle of the Yamuna River. This relates to Chapter 3 of Rut 2.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 2: Arrival of Ramrai's Masands 11:31

6M ago11:31

11:31

In this episode, Ramrai, the son of Guru Harrai, makes a plan to meet with Guru Gobind Singh. We hear how the Masands of Ramrai arrive in Paonta Sahib to organize the a discreet meeting between the two leaders.By Jvala Singh

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50. Anya Golovkova | Śrīvidyā, Tantra, and the Goddess 1:00:03

6M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Anya Golovkova about the world of Śrīvidyā and the Hindu tantric traditions. We learn about her background growing up in Russia and then discovering South Asian studies later in life in New York City, eventually going on to pursue a PhD on Śrīvidyā texts and traditions. We discuss the category of "tantra," the rol…

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SPX SZN 2, Episode 1: Pathans Enlisted into Guru's Army 11:47

6M ago11:47

11:47

This is the first episode of second season (rut), the Poet Santokh Singh begins with an invocation to the ten Gurus. Also hear how 500 Pathans enlist into the Guru's Army.By Jvala Singh

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49. Daniela Bevilacqua | From Tapas to Modern Yoga 1:14:56

10M ago1:14:56

1:14:56

In this episode, we speak with return guest and teacher Dr. Daniela Bevilacqua to discuss the publication of her latest work, From Tapas to Modern Yoga: Sādhus’ Understanding of Embodied Practices (2024). We discuss the origins of the book as part of the research and output of the infamous SOAS Hatha Yoga Project (2015-2020), her methodology as an …

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48. Brian Dana Akers | The Yoga Manifesto and the World of Yoga Publishing 51:42

11M ago51:42

51:42

In this episode we speak with Briana Dana Akers, who is a publisher, editor, and translator, best known for his translation of the Haṭhapradīpikā. We discuss his background discovering yoga at a young age, learning Sanskrit in Michigan and in India, and how he first began publishing Sanskrit works on yoga when he founded YogaVidya at just 23 years …

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47. Zoë Slatoff | Yoga, Vedānta, and Ashtanga Yoga 1:02:05

12M ago1:02:05

1:02:05

In this episode we speak with Zoë Slatoff about her background as an Ashtanga Yoga practitioner and teacher turned academic and Sanskrit professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. We discuss how her experiences within the Ashtanga Yoga community led her to the study of Sanskrit, and the eventual writing of her textbook called Yogāvatā…

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 51: Tiger Hunting 13:16

12M ago13:16

13:16

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh hunts a tiger with only a shield and sword before bidding farewell to Pir Buddhu Shah. This is the concluding chapter of the first season (rut).By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 50: A Union of Kings & Tiger Hunting 11:23

1y ago11:23

11:23

In this track hear how Guru Gobind Singh orchestrates a treaty and unity between King Fateh Shah and King Medani Prakash before going into the forests to hunt a man-eating tiger. This relates to chapter 50 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 49: Budhu Shah & Meeting with Fateh Shah 11:38

1y ago11:38

11:38

In this episode hear how Pir Budhu Shah arrives in Paonta Sahib and Guru Gobind Singh's plan to create unity between the two kings, Fateh Shah and Medani Prakash. This relates to Chapter 49 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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46. Kunsang | From Buddhist Nun to Tibetan Translator 1:24:09

1y ago1:24:09

1:24:09

In this episode we speak with Kunsang about her upcoming series of courses in Classical Tibetan. We learn about her fascinating journey growing up in Venezuela and Italy and first encountering Tibetan Buddhism in her youth, studying Buddhist philosophy in Italy, becoming ordained as a Buddhist nun, studying Tibetan language and joining a nunnery in…

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 48: Ramrai's Anguish 12:43

1y ago12:43

12:43

In this episode hear how Ramrai (Guru Harrai's son and Guru Gobind Singh's nephew) was worried about the new arrival of the martial Guru in his region. Two delegates were sent from the Guru's house to calm Ramrai's anguish. This relates to Chapter 48 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 47: Establishing Paonta Sahib 10:57

1y ago10:57

10:57

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh establishes Paonta Sahib at the foothills of the Himalayas. This relates to Chapter 47 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 46: Enjoying The Riverbanks Of Yamuna 14:37

1y ago14:37

14:37

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh enjoys the riverbanks alongside the Yamuna (Jamuna) River near Paonta Sahib. This relates to Chapter 46 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 45: Arriving In the Nahan Region 13:47

1y ago13:47

13:47

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh along with his army arrive in the region of Nahan, where they are greeted by the king, Medani Prakash. This relates to chapter 45 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 44: Departing To Nahan 11:18

1y ago11:18

11:18

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh with his standing army leave Anandpur, traveling south east to the region of Nahan, along the Himalayan foothills. This relates to Chapter 44 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 43: The Minister Of Nahan King Arrives 10:36

1y ago10:36

10:36

In this episode hear how the minister of the Nahan king arrives in Anandpur, requesting the Guru to arrive in the mountainous valley of Nahan, at the foothills of the Himalayas. This relates to chapter 43 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 42: The Guru's Response to his Mother 11:35

1y ago11:35

11:35

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh responds to his mother, Mata Gujari, who wanted to squash any conflict in the region. This relates to Chapter 42 of season 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 41: A Meeting Of All The Mountain Kings 12:16

1y ago12:16

12:16

In this episode hear how all the mountain kings get together and make a plan related to Guru Gobind Singh. This relates to Chapter 41 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 40: The Delegation is Kicked Out 13:14

1y ago13:14

13:14

In this episode we hear how Guru Gobind Singh reacts to the proposal by the delegation of Bhimchand, including Kesari Chand and Pamma Brahmin, how they are beaten out of the court. This relates to Chapter 40 of Season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 39: A Delegation Arrives At Anandpur 11:56

1y ago11:56

11:56

Raja Bhimchand's delegation, including Kesari Chand (his brother-in-law) and his purohit (Brahmin priest) Pamma, arrives in Anandpur to meet with Guru Gobind Singh. This relates to Chapter 39 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 38: Kirpal Katochia Scheming 12:17

1+ y ago12:17

12:17

In this episode hear how the king (raja) of Basohli, Kirpal Katochia, schemes against Guru Gobind Singh in trying to spark conflict between the Guru and Bhimchand. This relates to Chapter 38 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 37: Anointing Nandchand As Minister - Roaming In The Forest 12:18

1+ y ago12:18

12:18

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh anoints Nandchand as the top minister (divān) within his court along with a vivid description of the Guru's hunting expeditions through the forests around Anandpur. This relates to Chapter 37 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 36: Mata Gujari's Appeal to the Guru 12:35

1+ y ago12:35

12:35

In this episode hear how Mata Gujari tries to guide Guru Gobind Singh away from his martial practices, with the desire of keeping the peace in the Punjab hills. This relates to Chapter 36 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 35: Chief Officer Praises Guru Gobind Singh 12:01

1+ y ago12:01

12:01

In this episode hear how Bhimchand's chief officer meets and then praises Guru Gobind Singh. This relates to Chapter 35 of season (rut) one.By Jvala Singh

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45. Lucy May Constantini | Kaḷarippayaṟṟ˘: Martial Art of Kerala 1:16:24

1+ y ago1:16:24

1:16:24

In this episode we speak with Lucy May Constantini about her fascinating research and practical experience studying the south-Indian martial art tradition of kaḷarippayaṟṟ˘. We discuss Lucy's background of training in Kerala, the history of kaḷari, the role of the gurukkaḷ ("lineage-holder"), the tradition's Śākta Tantra context in Kerala, medieval…

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 34: Chief Officer Of Bhimchand Arrives 11:54

1+ y ago11:54

11:54

In this episode hear how Bhimchand rejects the advice of his close council and sends his chief officer to Anandpur Sahib to meet with the Guru. This relates to Chapter 34 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 33: Bhimchand's Plan 10:20

1+ y ago10:20

10:20

In this episode hear how the minister of Bhimchand returns back empty handed and how Bhimchand stubbornly continues on with his plan to steal the elephant of Guru Gobind Singh. This relates to Chapter 33 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 32: Minister Returns Empty-handed 11:25

1+ y ago11:25

11:25

In this episode we hear how the minister of King Bhimchand leaves Anandpur without the Prasadi elephant of Guru Gobind Singh, unable to trick the Guru. This relates to Chapter 32 of season 1.By Jvala Singh

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44. Kate Hartmann | Pilgrimage and Buddhism 1:04:53

1+ y ago1:04:53

1:04:53

In this episode we welcome back Kate Hartmann, former director of Buddhist Studies Online, to discuss all things pilgrimage and Buddhism. We discuss how Kate first got into pilgrimage studies as a grad student at Harvard, whether pilgrimage is a universal concept across cultures, and question what separates a pilgrim from a tourist? We then turn to…

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 31: Bhimchand's Deceitful Plan 11:45

1+ y ago11:45

11:45

In this episode hear how the King of Kahlur, Bhimchand, within his court constructs a scheme to secure the possession of Guru Gobind Singh's Prasadi elephant. This relates to Chapter 31 of Season 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 30: Bhimchand Departs and Martial Training 12:50

1+ y ago12:50

12:50

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh bids farewell to Raja Bhimchand and the martial training the Guru performs along with his warrior Sikhs. This relates to Chapter 30 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 29: Bhimchand Sees the Prasadi Elephant 11:33

1+ y ago11:33

11:33

In this episode we hear how Bhimchand is shown some of the rare items within the Guru's house like the Prasadi elephant and the extravagant tent, made in Kabul. This relates to Chapter 29 of season (rut) one.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 28: Bhimchand Meets the Guru 11:16

1+ y ago11:16

11:16

In this episode hear how Bhimchand meets with Guru Gobind Singh in Anandpur Sahib. This relates to Chapter 28 of season 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 27: The Minister Of Bhimchand Arrives 12:21

1+ y ago12:21

12:21

In this episode hear how the minister of Bhimchand arrives in Anandpur Sahib to meet with Guru Gobind Singh. This relates to Chapter 27 of season 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 26: Sounding off the Ranjit Nagara 12:05

1+ y ago12:05

12:05

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh, with his forces, ride high into the hills to sound off his Ranjit Nagara, the Victory causing War Drum. This relates to Chapter 26 of Season 1.By Jvala Singh

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43. Christopher Jain Miller | Embodying Transnational Yoga 1:04:07

1+ y ago1:04:07

1:04:07

In this episode we speak with Christopher Miller about his recent monograph, Embodying Transnational Yoga: Eating, Singing, and Breathing in Transformation (Routledge 2023) and his upcoming online course at Yogic Studies. We begin by discussing his academic background and how he first got into critical Yoga and later Jain Studies, his experiences a…

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 25: Debate within the Household 12:29

2y ago12:29

12:29

In this episode hear how the Masands are worried about Guru Gobind Singh's plan to construct a war drum, hear the discussion that takes place within the household. This relates to Chapter 25 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 24: The Making of the War Drum 11:43

2y ago11:43

11:43

In this episode hear how Guru Gobind Singh commissions a massive war drum, nagara, which sparks some concern amongst the Masands of the community. This relates to Chapter 24 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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SPX SZN 1, Episode 23: Rattan Rai Becomes a Sikh 13:31

2y ago13:31

13:31

In this episode hear about Rattan Rai's time with the Guru and how he takes the Pahul initiation ceremony along with his mother and army. This relates to Chapter 23 of season (rut) 1.By Jvala Singh

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42. Samuel M. Grimes | Newar Buddhism, Nepal, and Yoga 46:32

2y ago46:32

46:32

In this episode we speak with Samuel Grimes about his research and experience with the tradition of Newar Buddhism in Nepal. We discuss the unique history of Buddhism in Nepal, the decline of Buddhism in India, and what it means to be the only living "Sanskritic Buddhist" tradition in South Asia. We then discuss the meaning and role of yoga within …