Not Just Āsana
Not Just Āsana is a passion-project podcast where two humans have a dharma discussion about various themes within the yoga universe. Hosted by advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga teachers and best friends Keith Kempis (director of Bija Yoga) and Sandy King (founder of Golden Yoga School). Sit in on their casual chats about everything from meditation to Morrissey; spiritual teachings to snacking; teaching yoga in the 21st century... and a whole lot more.
Episodes
In this slightly goth episode, we explore a famous verse from the Upaniṣads regarding the nectar of immortality. What is the symbolism behind śavāsana and why do some people find it so difficult? Who are you if you are not your body? And how do we take off the armour of personality?
We learn more about Keith’s history, and he shares a touching story about the end of his mother’s life.
------
Mantra:
oṃ asato mā sadgamaya tamaso mā ...
An incredibly touching bonus episode where Keith interviews Bharat and Anshu, two of the staff working at Sandipani Muri aka Food For Life Vrindavan. Learn about the incredible work that happens at this school, where young girls are saved from under-age arranged marriages, and given an education regardless of their caste. A truly inspiring listen. Be sure to visit visit fflv.org to learn more.
------
Mantra:
sarve bhavantu sukhinaḥ
...Sandy shares one of their favourite verses from the Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā on the topic of nadam - the yoga of sound. Keith shares from his experience as a life-long musician, and how it relates to yoga practice. There is mention of flow state, inner and outer listening, and how hearing happens with much more than just our ears...
------
Mantra:
namaḥ śivāya gurave nāda-bind...
Our most controversial episode yet....
Keith prompts a compelling discussion that goes in an unexpected direction about what's missing in today's yoga. Featuring some hot takes and open conversation about difficult subject matters - and why yoga should be a radical practice for social change.
------
Quote:
"Yoga is the state where you are missing nothing"
~ Sharon Gannon (quoting Sri Brahmananda Saraswati)
------
Follow your co-ho...
In our first BONUS episode, Keith is joined by none other than Seema Johari Agarwal, an Indian scholar and direct lineage holder - a dedicated student of her father, the late great Harish Johari. Keith chants a beautiful mantra that is sung thrice daily at the Johari house and they discuss the importance of ritual in multiple areas of life.
------
Śloka:
brahmārpaṇaṁ brahm...
In today's episode Sandy surprises Keith with a mantra... about mantra. A conversation follows about elevated language, how mantras can help you overcome unhelpful thoughts and how the cumulative effect of mantra can give rise to freedom in the mind.
------
Mantra:
śrī kṛṣṇa śaraṇaṃ mama
“I seek refuge in Krishna”
------
Follow your co-hosts on instagram:
Keith @bija_yoga
Sandy @sandykingyoga
------
Folks in Sydney can visit Keith'...
Keith is in Dharamshala! And Sandy has been busy teaching yoga online. In today's episode, Keith shares a beautiful story from his travels in Northern India and local insights on the timeless mantra "Sat Nam".
------
Follow your co-hosts on instagram:
Keith @bija_yoga
Sandy @sandykingyoga
------
Folks in Sydney can visit Keith's studio in Penrith, Bija Yoga. And in Nipaluna/Hobart you can find Sandy at Folde Yoga - but also online ...
Join Sandy and Keith as they sit down for their first official podcast episode, with a chant to Ganesha and a dharma discussion on obstacles - why they're there, who put them there in the first place and how to kick them out of the way.
------
Mantra:
oṃ gaṃ gaṇapataye namaḥ
“Reverence to Lord Ganesha, the remove...