“If you get rid of what you’re not you suss out what you are. Whatever you’re left with is you. And it’s the same with meditation.”

I’ve been keeping this jewel in my pocket since I recorded it back in early March in Rishikesh and revisiting it now for the edit feels like listening to it again for the first time. Which has been such a joy! I told Stew I intended to get to the real essence of yoga in this conversation and I think we reached there. 

It’s definitely another mind-stretching conversation with my teacher and spiritual friend Stewart Gilchrist. We recorded this in Rishikesh during Stew’s retreat and it is such a joy and privilege to share it with you. 

We cover a lot of terrain in this packed episode. Here’s a peek: 

➖ Inclusive Hinduism and Hindutva Nationalism

➖Santana Dharma or the Eternal Truth and understanding the ancient aspects of yoga

➖Why people do yoga to get fit and what they’re missing

➖What will be the saviour of modern yoga 

➖Neti Neti and meditation

➖Understanding the kleshas, particularly abhinevesha

➖The Guru Shishya relationship 

➖Mooldhara and communitarianism 

And ultimately our conversation revolves around getting in touch with your true Self, the eternal truth. 

Stew’s Recommendations: 

➖ Why I Am a Hindu by Indian politician Shashi Tharoor

➖Inglorious Empire: What the British Did to India also by Shashi Tharoor

➖Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain by Sathnam Sanghera 

➖Dr Shyam Ranganathan of Yoga Philosophy 

➖Shameem Black

If you haven’t listened to my previous episode with Stew check out Season 2 Episode 1 of A Curious Yogi Podcast.  In that episode Stew gets into how to live by example and go beyond the fear of death.

Having studied both aṣṭāṅga and Jivamukti Yogas since the late 1990s, Stewart’s sādhanā led him to train all over the world with teachers who have had a profound effect on his unique style of teaching.

Stewart has a Masters Degree in Traditions of Yoga and Meditation from SOAS University London.  He is currently a PhD candidate at SOAS in yoga-related research. He offers his eternal gratitude to all his teachers: Sabel Thiam, Jennifer Dale, Hamish Hendry, David Life, Sharon Gannon, Yogacharya V.Sheshadri and Swami Nirmalananda.

Find Stew in London at eastlondonschoolofyoga.com 

So much in this conversation and I send my love and appreciation out to Stewji for really enriching my yogasan practice and infusing it with such knowledge, humour and applicable wisdom. A lotta laughs. 

And how he imbibes the teachings into his daily life is nothing short of extraordinary, although he might say differently. 

Enjoy friends! 

In oneness, 

Bobbi 

Thanks for listening! 

💭 Find the full show notes at bobbipaidel.com/podcast-s3-ep4-stewart-gilchrist 

💭Support the podcast and join monthly satsangs at patreon.com/acuriousyogipodcast   

💭 If you liked this episode, please leave a review on Apple podcasts – it really helps the show reach more people, plus I love reading each one. 

💭 Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram stories @bobbipaidel  

💭 If you’d like to chat about the show, be a guest, or practice together find me at bobbipaidel.com/connect 🙏♥️✨