Inquire Within Podcast

A book reading from my book, Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic.Buy From AmazonSync with iPod

Although yoga was developed in ancient India and has been practiced largely by Hindus and Buddhists, it is not a religion in and of itself.  In fact it is a mystical path that can be practiced by people of any faith.  Many westerners have noted that the principles of yoga are very similar to the teachings of Jesus, and many Christians have come to discover that rather than replace their faith, practicing yoga deeply enhances their beliefs.In this Darren explores the similarities between the life and teachings of Jesus and yoga and examines just how complementary these two paths can be and how reading the Gospels in the light of Eastern philosophy can add new dimensions to our understanding of Jesus and his message of compassion, forgiveness and charity.SYNC WITH iPODTruth is One: I have often said that if Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, and other true emissaries of God came together, they would not quarrel, but would drink from the same one cup of God-communion.—Paramahansa Yogananda

Although yoga was developed in ancient India and has been practiced largely by Hindus and Buddhists, it is not a religion in and of itself.  In fact it is a mystical path that can be practiced by people of any faith.  Many westerners have noted that the principles of yoga are very similar to the teachings of Jesus, and many Christians have come to discover that rather than replace their faith, practicing yoga deeply enhances their beliefs.In this Darren explores the similarities between the life and teachings of Jesus and yoga and examines just how complementary these two paths can be and how reading the Gospels in the light of Eastern philosophy can add new dimensions to our understanding of Jesus and his message of compassion, forgiveness and charity.SYNC WITH iPODTruth is One: I have often said that if Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, and other true emissaries of God came together, they would not quarrel, but would drink from the same one cup of God-communion.—Paramahansa Yogananda

Perhaps one of the most misunderstood philosophies from the East is that of Tantra.  While Tantra is often equated with sex, it is much deeper and complete spiritual path.  In this Podcast, yogi and scholar Chris Tompkins explores the history and richness behind this ancient philosophy and explains why knowing more about it can greatly enhance one’s yoga practice.  Chris lectures at the University of California in Berkeley and is the co-founder of The Yoga Foundation. Sync with iPod

Sanskrit is the ancient language of India.  It is the root language of many modern languages such as Hindi and it is the language of yoga.   With ancient yoga texts such as the Bhagavad-Gita and the Yoga Sutras recorded in Sanskrit and even the names of the classic yoga poses were originally in this sacred dialect. In this Podcast, yogi and scholar Chris Tompkins explores the history and richness behind this beautiful language and explains why knowing more about it can greatly enhance one’s yoga practice.  Chris lectures at the University of California in Berkeley and is the co-founder of The Yoga Foundation. Sync with iPod

Jane Austin is a highly regarded prenatal yoga teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area.  She has trained as a midwife and is a founding member of the Bay Area Home Birth Collective.  She also offers a prenatal yoga teacher training program.In part two of this two part interview, Jane explores the practice of yoga as it relates to the birthing process and also talks about the benefits of yoga postpartum. Sync with iPod ResourcesJane’s WebsiteJane’s Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training The Bay Area Home Birth Collective

Jane Austin is a highly regarded prenatal yoga teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area.  She has trained as a midwife and is a founding member of the Bay Area Home Birth Collective.  She also offers a prenatal yoga teacher training program.In part one of this two part interview, Jane talks about the benefits of prenatal yoga for mother and child alike. Sync with iPod ResourcesJane’s WebsiteJane’s Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training The Bay Area Home Birth Collective

Les Levanthal is a popular San Francisco based yoga instructor who offers workshops for people in Twelve-Step Recovery programs.  In this interview Les talks about  his own struggles with addiction and how his yoga practice has enhanced both his recovery and his understanding of the Twelve-Steps. Sync with iPod ResourcesLes’s WebsiteFind a Twelve-Step Group

Anodea Judith, Ph.D.  is the founder and director of Sacred Centers, and a groundbreaking thinker, writer, and spiritual teacher.  She holds Masters and Doctoral degrees in Psychology and Human Health, with lifelong studies of alternative medicine, yoga, mythology, history, sociology, systems theory, and mystic spirituality. She is considered the country's foremost experts on the combination of chakras and therapeutic issues and on the interpretation of the Chakra System for the Western lifestyle. She lectures extensively in the U.S., Europe and Central America. She is best known for her book, Wheels of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System which has become a modern classic. Anodea Judith at Yoga Tree Sync with iPod ResourcesAnodea Judith's WebsiteAnodea on iTunesAnodea on Amazon

Cardell and Alexander Smith are a father son team that lead retreats for gay men.  Although Cardell is straight, he has worked closely with his son Alexander to develop a program called Quantum Life Changes, which used the power of the mind to help men heal physically, mentally and emotionally.In this interview this father and son team share their story, which lead from an oppressive religious past to acceptance and ultimately to a powerful and loving partnership that is having ripple effects throughout the gay community. Sync with iPod ResourcesQuantum Life Changes Website

Dr. Kevin Barrows is the founding director of Mindfulness Programs at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine in San Francisco.  He works to combine mindful meditation practices with conventional western therapies and is involved in an exciting study exploring meditation as a treatment for HIV.If  you or someone you know is HIV+ and would like to learn more about the study Dr. Barrows is conducting, You can call The Staying Well Project at 415-353-9744 Sync with iPod ResourcesThe Osher CenterThe Staying Well Project

Anoop Kumar Bedula is a good friend of mine who lives in Rishikesh India.  With his family, he has worked with some of India’s poorest children to offer them an education, basic health care and healthy meals.      Recently my students at Yoga Tree in San Francisco helped me to raise over $2500 in a effort to support his efforts.  In this interview Anoop talks about how the school has grown from five students to over eighty and what is needed to continue to this important work.  The interview was recorded on my recent trip to India. Sync with iPod Contact AnoopWatch a Video of the Children

Robert Perry is the founder of The Circle of Atonement and a well-known teacher of A Course in Miracles. He is also the author of countless books on The Course.  In part three of this three-part interview, Robert explores the history of A Course in Miracles and some of the legal issues surrounding it. Sync with iPod ResourcesCircle of Atonement WebsiteArticlesThe Earlier Versions and the Editing of A Course in Miracles by Robert PerryAnd Now It Belongs to the World by Robert PerrySuggested ReadingPath of Light by Robert PerryOther Course Related Books

Robert Perry is the founder of The Circle of Atonement and a well-known teacher of A Course in Miracles. He is also the author of countless books on The Course.  In part two of this three-part interview, Robert explores differences and similarities between traditional Christianity and A Course in Miracles. Sync with iPod ResourcesCircle of Atonement WebsiteArticles What if Jesus Really Did Write This? by Robert PerryWhat Was the Meaning of the Empty Tomb? by Robert PerryA Joint Portrait of Jesus by Robert PerryWho Was the Jesus of History and Did He Write A Course in Miracles? by Robert PerryHow the Course Views the Bible by Allen WatsonSuggested ReadingSeeing the Bible Differently by Allen WatsonPath of Light by Robert PerryOther Course Related Books

Robert Perry is the founder of The Circle of Atonement and a well-known teacher of A Course in Miracles. He is also the author of countless books on The Course.  In part one of this three-part interview, Robert explains what A Course in Miracles is and some of its basic tenets. Sync with iPod ResourcesCircle of Atonement WebsiteWhat is A Course in Miracles (excerpt from Path of Light.)Suggested ReadingPath of Light by Robert PerryOther Course Related Books

Donald Abrams, MD, is Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California San Francisco, Chief of Hematology/Oncology at San Francisco General Hospital and Director of Clinical Programs at the Osher Center. Dr. Abrams completed an associate fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona and has a long history evaluating complementary and alternative therapies. These investigations have included mind-body treatments, botanical therapies, medical use of marijuana, and Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal therapies. Sync with iPod ResourcesThe Osher CenterMy Interview with Jerry Lynn

Lance Centanni-Sachs an twenty-four year old American who spent several years in a Tibetan Buddhist monastery.  Like may westerners who are involved in Buddhist meditation and yoga, he felt drawn to travel to India.  What sets him apart is that he took vows and lived as a monk.  Now he is back in San Francisco.  In this podcast he shares his fascinating story about self-discovery and spiritual grow in the mountains of northern India and Nepal. Contact LanceSync With Your iPod Resources Kopan Monastery  Tushita MonasteryBooksHow to Meditate by Kathleen McDonaldThe Essential Nectar by Geshe RabtenThe Great Treatise on the Stages of the Path of Enlightenment by Tsong-Kha-Pa

Wade Imre Morissette is a well known yoga teacher and musician from Canada and the twin brother of Alanis Morissette.  He has studied both yoga and chanting in India and North America and he has several yoga DVDs available.His first chanting CD, 'Sargam: Scales of Music', has become a cult classic among Kirtan fans.  Now, his second CD has been released entitled 'Strong as Diamonds'. Sync with iPod Visit Wades WebsiteWade's MusicStrong as DiamondsSargam: Scales of MusicWade on iTunes

The practice of yoga has many benefits; physical, mental and emotional.  All of these benefits are the result of a purification on the energetic level.  In PART TWO of this two part talk, Darren explores the seven major energy centers know as chakras, the unique qualities of each one and various yoga poses that can be used to stimulate and balance each chakra.Sync with iPodRecommended ReadingWheels of Life by Anodea JudithEastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea JudithAnatomy of the Spirit by Caroline MyssHands of Light by Barbara Ann Brennen

Michael Franti is the front many for the band Spearhead and is a world famous musician and peace activist.  His music blends funk, rock, reggae, jazz and folk and his lyrics are both political and deeply spiritual.In addition to his work with Spearhead, he is also the driving force behind, Power to the Peaceful, which supports world peace efforts.  Recently he traveled to the war-torn Middle East to make the documentary, I Know I'm Not Alone.Power to the Peaceful Benefit at Yoga TreeMichaelâs WebsitesMichael Franti & SpearheadPower to The PeacefulI Know I'm Not Alone Documentary Sync with iPod Michael's MusicOn iTunesOn Amazon