Please rate and review The Yoga Hour on your favorite podcast player. It really helps us to be discovered by more listeners and we appreciate the feedback.
Explore the Yoga of Meditation
How does our yoga practice help us to be more serene and fearless? Yogacharya O’Brian returns to discuss Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita, “The Yoga of Meditation”. Tune in to learn more about the Gita’s guidance for a deep and nurturing meditation practice.
Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian is an acclaimed Kriya Yoga teacher, award-winning author, poet and minister who has served seekers of spiritual enlightenment from all walks of life and religions for over forty years. She has published several books and programs about meditation, mindfulness and spiritual living. Her published works include the award-winning the Jewel of Abundance, Living the Eternal Way, and Living for the Sake of the Soul, as well as a volume of spiritual poetry The Moon Reminded Me. She is the founder of The Yoga Hour podcast and also hosts the Kriya Yoga Today podcast. She is the founder and spiritual director of The Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, a Kriya Yoga meditation center with world headquarters in San Jose, California.
Learn more about Yogacharya O’Brian and her work at ellengraceobrian.com
Join Yogacharya O’Brian’s weekly Bhagavad Gita class on Thursdays
Dr. Trujillo’s Comments:
In this conversation, Yogacharya O’Brian and I explore Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita, “The Yoga of Meditation”. Yogacharya discusses the importance of meditation in the Kriya Yoga tradition as the principle tool used to experience the direct perception of the truth of our being. The practice of meditation gives us the direct experience of quieting the mind, an experience of serenity which can lead to fearlessness, as described in the Gita. Chapter 6 also includes instruction about important qualities that support our meditation practice, such as non-attachment to the outcomes of our actions, as well as recommending specific techniques that help our meditation practice. Tune in and explore the yoga of meditation!
The Yoga Hour Team Comments:
Yogacharya O’Brian and Dr. Laurel discuss meditation practice through the lens of the Bhagavad Gita. This is a very inspiring podcast about how steadfast meditation can bring serenity and fearlessness into our life. The wealth of information shared with obvious personal experience is palatable. They start by discussing what an awakened life looks like, then go on to share critical elements of developing a strong meditation practice. This is a podcast for both beginner meditators and those who have been on the path for a long time.
Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian
Meditate with Ease for Inner Calm
Have you ever noticed that trying harder to meditate isn’t the answer?
Guest Peter Russell joins to discuss his book, How to Meditate Without Even Trying. The essence of practice is allowing the mind to relax so we can rest in the still and silent present moment.
Renowned consciousness teacher Peter Russell is the author of How to Meditate Without Even Trying, and eleven other books including Letting Go of Nothing and From Science to God. A teacher of meditation for more than fifty years, he believes the critical challenge of today is freeing human thinking from the limited beliefs and attitudes that lie behind many of our problems — personal, social, and global. He has inspired thousands through his talks, teachings, retreats, and popular online courses.
🔗 Visit him online at at http://www.peterrussell.com and https://www.how-to-meditate-without-even-trying.com
Dr. Trujillo’s Comments:
In both our conversation and in his book How to Meditate Without Even Trying, Peter Russell focuses on making meditation easier, more effective, and more enjoyable. We discussed the inevitable experience of thoughts intruding in our meditation, and that we can choose not to follow them while also avoiding self-created discontent. I appreciated learning that the root meaning of Samsara is aimless wandering, that process where we look outside ourselves for the contentment and wholeness that we already have access to within. I recommend this episode to those new to meditation, as well as to experienced meditators who will gain encouragement for their practice.
The Yoga Hour Team Comments:
This podcast offers a transmission of the idea behind the book, How to Meditate Without Even Trying, along with Peter Russell's lovely encouragement that will bring ease into your meditation practice. He conveyed a gentleness in which to ease the mind and thoughts, relax and let go. Listen in to receive this instruction.
Awaken the Sacred Through Ritual
Step into the sacred through the practice of ritual. Tracee Stanley, author of Living Ritual: Infuse Each Day with Purpose and Spirit, returns to explore how ritual can awaken us to the sacred in everyday life and helps us live with greater purpose, presence, and spirit.
Tracee Stanley is the author of the upcoming book Living Ritual: Infuse Each Day with Purpose and Spirit (St. Martin’s Essentials August 2026) and the bestselling books Radiant Rest and The Luminous Self. Tracee is the founder of Empowered Life Circle, a sacred community and portal of practices, rituals, and Tantric teachings inspired by more than 30 years of studentship in Sri Vidya Tantra and the teachings of the Himalayan Masters.
Tracee is devoted to sharing the wisdom of yoga nidra, rest, meditation, self-inquiry, nature as a teacher, and ancestor reverence. Tracee holds certificates from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Advanced Eco-Therapy, New Thinking, Best Practices, and Emerging Modalities, and a certificate in Advanced Ecopsychology. Tracee is devoted to illuminating the magic and power found in liminal space and weaving devotion and practice into daily life.
Learn more about Tracee and her work at her website: https://www.traceestanley.com/
Dr. Trujillo’s Comments
My conversation with Tracee Stanley about her book Living Ritual included lots of ideas about how to bring the sacred into our daily lives. I enjoyed the many ways that we discussed bringing our yoga practice off the mat and into all of our activities. As Tracee said: “Yoga is life, it’s a way to live life”. I found our discussion of the inner fullness that is accessible to everyone to be particularly rich. Tune in for some ideas about infusing the sacred into things you do everyday.
The Yoga Hour Team Comments
This conversation will offer the listener the opportunity to connect with Living Ritual, to learn about ways to incorporate micro rituals in your day, and to note ways that you already keep rituals. The 4 life aims, or purusharthas, is a perfect way to bring the sacred into life through the power of these ritual practices. Guest Tracee Stanley illuminates the power of ritual through her writing and in this conversation with Dr. Trujillo.
Open the Door of Your Heart with Sacred Chants
Kirtan, or devotional chanting of the names of God, is a practice that opens the heart, uplifts our consciousness, and deepens our connection to the Divine. Join spiritual teacher Swami Nirvanananda as he leads songs of devotion that bring us into a sacred stillness.
Giorgio Kriegsch was born to devout parents, a Catholic mother and a Lutheran father in Trieste, Italy. In 1975 his life was changed after reading Paramahansa Yogananda’s book, Autobiography of a Yogi. He was initiated into Kriya Yoga by Swami Hariharananda—a direct disciple of Yogananda’s guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar. During one of his early trips to India, Giorgio discovered the inspiring work of Father Marian Zelazek, who was helping the children of lepers in Puri, a city in eastern India. He asked Fr. Zelazek how he could help and was asked to seek sponsors to support this work. Giorgio began performing Kirtan (sacred chanting concerts) to raise funds. In 1992, in the holy city of Jagannath Puri in India, Giorgio took the final monastic vows of a sannyas and became Swami Nirvanananda Saraswati, meaning “the bliss of freedom from suffering.” He continues to travel the world, inspiring audiences with devotional music and raising funds to help others.
🔗 Learn more about Swami Nirvanananda at Nirvanananda.org and explore his charitable work at ShantiPuriFriends.org
🎶 Listen to more chants by Swami Nirvanananda on Spotify
Dr. Trujillo’s Comments
It was a joy to have Swami Nirvanananda return to The Yoga Hour to share his sacred chants with us. Kirtan as a form of Bhakti Yoga induces an opening of the heart, joyfulness, and deep devotion for the divine, and that is what I experienced with Swami ji. I also enjoyed sharing Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings from his booklet Cosmic Chants, which inform us that sound is the most powerful force in the universe, and that our feeling of joy which comes from sacred chanting is the proof that God has answered the devotee. Tune in for a joyful and heart-opening experience.
The Yoga Hour Team Comments
Swami Nirvanananda brings depth and heart to every appearance, his presence and voice transport love and beauty directly to the heart. Enjoy the sacred chanting and sing along for full effect.
Swami Nirvanananda
Harness the Timeless Power of Ayurveda
Combining the timeless principles of Ayurveda with modern scientific insight, we can achieve true mind-body wellness. Join Ayurvedic healer Ulli Allmendinger as we discuss her book, The Power of Ayurveda: Science-Backed Wisdom for Wellness, Vitality, and Longevity, and discover how she integrates traditional wisdom into daily life with practical guidance for greater health.
Ulli Allmendinger is an Ayurvedic practitioner, educator, and retreat leader who has been studying and practicing Ayurveda since 2003 in both India and the United States. She has trained with many renowned teachers and holds a Master of Science in Ayurvedic Sciences from the International Vedic Hindu University in Florida. Through her platform Ulli Ayurveda, she offers consultations, trainings, detox programs, and international retreats that bring the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda into modern life.
Her work can be found under www.ulli-ayurveda.com
Dr. Trujillo’s Comments
This conversation with Ulli Allmendinger about her new book The Power of Ayurveda was full enthusiasm from both of us for the many lifestyle practices of Ayurveda. We included lots of ideas for how listeners can begin to incorporate Ayurvedic lifestyle practices into their lives. We stressed that it’s important not to become overwhelmed with trying to change too many things all at once, and the opportunities that Ayurveda provides for self-study (one of the three key practices of Kriya Yoga as set forth in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra 2.1). Tune in for an enthusiastic introduction to Ayurveda!
The Yoga Hour Team Comments
This is a fun, interesting, and informative conversation with Ulli Allmendinger and Dr. Trujillo. Both exceptionally skilled in articulating the practice of Ayurveda, they discuss Ulli’s book The Power of Ayurveda: Science-Backed Wisdom for Wellness, Vitality, and Longevity. Ulli's approach is to bring these ancient teachings into our modern lifestyle. Ulli is so enthusiastic and inspirational, you'll definitely come away with ways to improve your health by paying attention to the signs your body gives you and ways to bring balance from imbalance. Listeners will appreciate the suggestions like drinking warm water first thing in the morning and throughout the day, eating on schedule and with the seasons, and if possible, schedule activity according to the times of day best suited. Listen to the body, which is Self-study for daily health and wellness. Tune in to receive the full benefits of Ayurveda by Ulli.
Awaken to the Groundless Ground of Being
Awaken to the One of all existence—the sacred, luminous reality that is essentially what we are. Join Stephan Bodian, teacher, psychotherapist, and author of Infinite Awakening: A Guide to Nondual Wisdom and the Pathless Path, as he offers a roadmap to discovering our true identity.
Stephan Bodian is a pioneer in the integration of Eastern wisdom and Western psychology. His books include Meditation for Dummies, Wake Up Now, and the new book Infinite Awakening: A Guide to Nondual Wisdom and the Pathless Path. Stephan graduated from Columbia University and did graduate work at Stanford, then spent 10 years as a Buddhist monk and another decade studying with a European master of Indian nondualism.
He leads workshops and retreats on the "direct approach" to spiritual realization and hosts the podcast "Nondual Wisdom and the Pathless Path" at stephanbodian.substack.com
You can also learn more about Stephan at his website and the site for the book discussed in this episode
Dr. Trujillo’s Comments
Stephan Bodian has an interesting and unusual background in Zen, Advaita Vedanta, and Tibetan Buddhism, through which he is able to see and articulate the underlying universal principle of Oneness that each of those paths contain. We discussed spiritual awakening as that experiential process that expands our awareness of who we really are. Our initial experiences of this underlying Oneness can be pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. This conversation will interest anyone on a spiritual path, and those who want to explore the underlying Oneness hiding behind all of our experiences.
The Yoga Hour Team Comments
In this interesting episode, Laurel Trujillo and Stephan Bodian discuss his new book, Infinite Awakening: A Guide to Nondual Wisdom and the Pathless Path. Stephan has spent decades as a serious practitioner across Zen, Dzogchen Tibetan Buddhism, and Advaita Vedanta, and you can feel that depth in how he talks about the common thread running through these traditions. Laurel adds her own angle from Kriya yoga. What stood out most to me was the discussion of the paradox of emptiness — from Zen and Buddhism — set against the fullness described in Vedanta and Kriya Yoga. Empty fullness, a pathless path: there’s nowhere to go, because you’re already there. I encourage you to listen in, it’s worth your time.
Stephan Bodian
Build Community by Seeing the Divine in Yourself and Others
Using Namaste, “I bow to the divine in you,” as a touchstone, Jeremy David Engels shows how recognizing the divine in ourselves and others is a powerful principle for building connection and community.
Dr. Jeremy David Engels is Liberal Arts Professor of Communication and Ethics at Pennsylvania State University. He is also a longtime teacher of mindfulness, meditation, and yoga, having studied in both India and the United States. He is an award-winning scholar, and has published numerous books and articles about democracy, community building, deliberation, and peace, including including On Mindful Democracy: A Declaration of Interdependence to Mend a Fractured World, and the book we are discussing today, Living Namaste: A Practical Guide to Mindfulness, Yoga, and Building Community.
🔗 Learn more about Jeremy and his work: JeremyDavidEngels.com
🎧 Listen to Jeremy’s recent episode on The Yoga Hour: Mindful Democracy: Declaring Our Interdependence
Dr. Trujillo’s Comments
“This episode with Jeremy David Engels focused on Namaste, the Sanskrit word that means ‘I bow to the divine in you’ in a discussion that explored how to live Namaste rather than just have it as a saying in a yoga class. We discussed Namaste as a practice: how to recognize the divine within ourselves; how to also recognize it in others, even those who are not part of our tribe; and how to bring this practice forward to build community and connection. Our conversation ranged from mindfulness meditation, cultural appropriation, and appreciating the miracles of life to how to build beloved community. I recommend this episode for those who are looking to bring their yoga practice off the mat and into the world.”
The Yoga Hour Team Comments
“I feel this podcast with Jeremy David Engels and Dr. Laurel Trujillo is very timely in the climate of the world today. Jeremy begins with the concept of living Namaste as a practice of honor. Seeing the divine in ourselves and others builds community and connection. The discussion continues exploring how yoga is a practice of mindfulness – being into any moment in your life. I love the vision Jeremy presented of Miracle Gazing: noticing the miracle of this existence and waking up to the large and small miracles in our lives. This is definitely a podcast listeners won’t want to miss. It promises hope through our connections with other people and community.”
Jeremy David Engels
Explore the Inner Path: Kriya Yoga for Turbulent Times
Can peace be found amidst chaos? Senior Kriya Yoga teacher Ann Hayes discusses the inner path of Kriya Yoga as a refuge of light, steadiness, and soul guidance. Return to the center where true clarity and strength reside.
Rev. Ann Hayes is an ordained minister, meditation teacher, and spiritual counselor. She offers classes and retreats focusing on spiritual awakening. Ann has been studying in the Kriya Yoga tradition since 1998 and was ordained to teach in 2007 by her guru, Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian. Ann serves on the Center for Spiritual Enlightenment board of directors, is a retired nurse and former executive director and COO of several health-related nonprofit organizations. With her husband Rev. Jeff Collins, she is the co-founder of the CSE affiliate center, Santa Rosa Kriya Yoga Meditation Group which offers weekly online meditation to people locally, nationally, and internationally. The group was established in 2014. Ann also served as an assistant producer of The Yoga Hour from 2016 until earlier this year.
🧘 Meditate with Ann and learn more: https://www.santarosameditation.org/
🔗 Discover the upcoming Kriya Yoga retreat with Yogacharya O’Brian at Center for Spiritual Enlightenment (in-person or online)
Dr. Trujillo’s Comments
“My conversation with Rev. Ann Hayes is an excellent overview of the teachings of Kriya Yoga and how they can be helpful to us in turbulent times. We introduced listeners to the long history of Kriya Yoga as a spiritual path that is experiential, time-tested, and effective in helping us to experience our true nature. Our conversation focused on essential practices of Kriya Yoga as set forth in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, such as meditation, self-discipline, self-study, and self-surrender. We also gave an overview of the four F’s of meditation: Foster, Focus, Flow, and Finish. This is an episode that will be helpful to all in understanding more about Kriya Yoga and the peace that it can bring to us in challenging times.”
The Yoga Hour Listener Comments
“I really appreciated this episode for the clarity it brings about Kriya Yoga to seekers of an inner path. The dialogue with Rev. Ann Sarasvati Hayes begins by clarifying that Kriya Yoga is not a religion but a deeper knowing of God or Supreme Consciousness as our center, a guide in life. Kriya = actions. Yoga = Wholeness/Union. Kriya Yoga = Conscious Living. This is a perfect episode to share with those curious about Kriya Yoga and/or contemplating joining a Kriya Yoga retreat. It is also a wonderful reminder for those of us on the path for many years of how these ancient teachings are still relevant today.”
Rev. Ann Hayes