Discover the deeper meaning of Shavāsana beyond just lying down at the end of class. I share two powerful mythological stories that reveal how this pose symbolizes surrender, rebirth, and transformation, and why it deserves as much respect as any peak pose in your yoga practice.

Episode Highlights:

• Reflecting on the popularity of mythical pose stories and listener feedback
• Why Shavāsana is misunderstood and often rushed through in modern yoga
• Origin of the term and its deeper meaning: corpse as a sacred pause, not an end
• Myth of Shiva and the sages: how surrender transforms death into awareness
• Myth of Kali and Raktabeej: how desire and compulsion multiply, and the power of stillness to stop it
• The symbolic death of Shavāsana: letting go of ego, effort, and identity
• Practical tips for teachers: honoring Shavāsana as the culmination of practice

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I sat down with Medha Bhaskar to unpack the real value behind 200- and 300-hour yoga teacher trainings. We explored why so many programs fall short of preparing teachers, what’s often missing in modern yoga education, and how personal practice and mentorship can make all the difference. If you’ve ever wondered whether certifications alone create great teachers, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Highlights:

• Why Medha became interested in yoga teacher training and what inspired her journey.
• Steps a participant should take before enrolling in a yoga teacher training program.
• Key elements to look for in a core 200-hour yoga teacher training syllabus.
• The original intent behind 200-hour and 300-hour trainings and how they are perceived today.
• The fundamental differences between 200-hour and 300-hour trainings, whether everyone needs to advance, and what topics should be included at the 300-hour level were explored.
• Faculty structure: whether to have lead teachers with guest faculty or a fully equal model, and which approach works best.
• Staying accountable after teacher training: how to keep the momentum alive once the graduation glow fades.
• Alternatives to Yoga Alliance: exploring India’s initiatives and whether certification really matters for teacher trainings.
• How students can evaluate the credibility and quality of yoga schools and trainers.

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After three weeks back in India, I’m sharing my fresh perspective on the yoga scene in 2025. From bustling rooftop classes to the deep sense of community in local shalas, yoga here feels refreshingly different from the West. I talk about how access has grown, what’s stayed true to tradition, and the small cultural quirks that make practicing in India so unique.

Episode Highlights:

• How yoga access in India has expanded dramatically since 2012
• The cultural and practical differences between yoga shalas and studios
• How Bengaluru’s traffic challenges create localized yoga communities
• Typical Indian yoga class schedules and early start times
• The rise of rooftop yoga as an affordable, accessible option
• Minimal emphasis on style/teacher in class listings
• Lack of online presence for many studios and its impact on visitors
• Many yoga teachers in India teach part-time, balancing other careers alongside yoga instruction
• Props, cleanliness, and community etiquette in Indian yoga spaces
• The popularity of aerial yoga and the presence of chanting in every class
• No liability waivers and a more trust-based approach to participation
• The balance between independence and guidance in Indian yoga teaching

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