Drdha Vrata Gorrick learned classical arts for several years in South India from renowned iconography Masters and has established himself as one of the leading experts and teachers of Vedic iconography.

He has traveled the world exhibiting his works and conducting classes with the aim to introduce and promote the ancient art form.

Drdha’s works are in various private collections around the globe and his students are also spread far and wide.

IN THIS RICH EPISODE:

— Drdha’s fascinating and serendipitous personal story how the seeds of India and art have been woven throughout all facets of his life.

— Unpacking the sacred Shilpa Shastra (ancient texts and treatise on classical Indian art and iconography)

— Some of the rituals from the Shilpa Shastra that are performed when creating traditional art (such as the Dhyanashloka)

— The key rules and guidelines when creating a form of any deity or murti

— What to look for when purchasing Indian art, such as a statue/murti

— Learn of a few profound insights around temple construction and architecture

CONNECT WITH DRDHA:

Website: https://www.divyakala.com/

Instagram: @drdha_art / https://www.instagram.com/drdha_art

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Dr. Raj Balkaran is a scholar of Sanskrit narrative texts and author of “The Stories Behind the Poses”. He is a Tutor at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and Founder of the online Indian Wisdom School where he integrates scholarship, storytelling and spirituality to apply ancient Indian wisdom teachings to modern life. Beyond research, speaking and teaching, he runs a thriving one-on-one life guidance and runs transformative retreats in stunning global settings.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Raj’s life path and love story with rich literacy and story alongside his scholarly work and spiritual exploration

— A wonderful story from the Chandogya Upanishad

— The evolution of tradition

— Story pedagogy and frame narratives

— Exploration of the meaning of “myth” and “mythology”

— The powerful impact and value behind the timeless stories

— The driving motivation and process behind the creation of The Stories Behind the Poses

— Considerations of the application of stories into yoga asana environments

CONNECT WITH RAJ:

Website: www.rajbalkaran.com & www.indianwisdomschool.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianwisdomschool/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indianwisdomschool

LISTEN TO RAJ via these podcasts:

— Indian Wisdom School

— New Books in Indian Religions (New Books Network)

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/

Regarded as a teacher of teachers, Heather Elton has practiced yoga since 1986. She has facilitated countless international retreats and yoga teacher trainings and currently takes groups on spiritual tours of the Himalaya throughout Bhutan, Nepal, and India.

Over many decades, Heather’s physical practice has primarily been in Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga. She offers 1 on 1 mentoring and private classes as well as more recently teaching weekly at a studio in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Her teachings integrate ancient wisdom traditions with contemporary psychology to create a mindful practice that diminishes suffering.

Originally from Canada, Heather’s work and wisdom will take you into the spiritual heart of the practice.

IN THIS EPISODE:

— Heather’s captivating story over many decades of yoga, spiritual seeking, the quest for identity and the dissolution of it

— The transmission and entanglement of Buddhist, Tantrik, and Hatha traditions

— The value and demise of traditionalism in yoga

— A glimpse into the mystical and ancient abode of Nepal and the Himalaya

— Learn of Heather’s upcoming South Asia spiritual experiences

MENTIONED:

Tripsichore Yoga Theatre

Dona Holleman

Jivamukti Yoga

Chökyi Lodrö

Dzongsar Khyentse

Maharaj Ishanath Aghori Baba

Viharas

Vajrācārya

CONNECT WITH HEATHER:

Website: https://eltonyoga.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathereltonyoga/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Pashupati-Hatha-Yoga-Club/100077892456316/

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH HEATHER:

Nepal: April 18-27, 2025

Bhutan: May 10-20, 2025

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ABOUT YOUR HOST, AMY LANDRY:

A beacon for those craving a connection to tradition and timeless wisdom, Amy has cemented herself as a global yoga teacher, ayurvedic practitioner, mentor, podcast host, speaker, and facilitator of the Study Yoga Summit.

Based in Australia and renowned for her sold-out international retreats, Amy has contributed extensively to Australian Yoga Journal, Om Yoga & Lifestyle magazine, YOGA Magazine (UK), and Nature & Health magazine (AU). She has presented at Wanderlust, Evolve Festival, Byron Spirit Fest, and Ekam Yoga Festival.

You can listen to her Living In Alignment podcast on all major platforms. A registered senior yoga teacher, Amy aims to amalgamate several Indian disciplines into daily life with the hope of inspiring her community to have a tangible relationship with living yoga–rather than seeing it as an isolated practice.

WEBSITE: ⁠https://amyelandry.com/⁠

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/amyelandry/