Raghu shares an open-hearted exploration of mantra, mythology, and archetypes in the Hindu tradition with his guest Dr. Manoj Chalam.
Dr. Manoj Chalam uses humor and personal anecdotes in his lectures and workshops to illuminate Hindu mythology. An Indian-born scientist with a Ph.D. from Cornell University, Manoj helps individuals find their archetypes in Hindu Yogic deities and teaches the 4 ways to work with an archetype as a Vedantic practice. Find upcoming events with Manoj and his wife Jyothi: Murtis and Vedanta
Links from this episode: Yogic Deities: Archetypes & Self Realization with Dr. Manoj Chalam | Hatha Yoga | NKB Hanuman Mandir
Show Notes
Beyond Archetypes (Opening) – What kind of power does the image of a deity or saint hold? Manoj and Raghu talk about the meaning and energy that lies behind a murti. Raghu shares a stirring story involving Neem Karoli Baba and K.K. Sah, as well as his own experience with a special Hunuman murti that now resides at the NKB Temple in Taos, New Mexico.
“When you look at a murti it is called darshan, but the murti also looks at you. When a murti looks at you it is called a kataksham, a divine gaze. You get hit like a thunderbolt and when that happens then perhaps you take a sharp breath, that is divine pranayama where you don’t breathe – you are being breathed.” – Dr. Manoj Chalam
Remembering Who We Are (16:35) – How do we invoke the many faces of God with a murti? Manoj teaches a daily practice of mantra and meditation in devotion to Hanuman; explaining the symbolism and mechanics behind the practice.
Listen to a conversation about Hanuman and the Ramayana on Ep. 191 of the Mindrolling Podcast
Into the Koshas (38:00) – We look at the many aspects of yoga attributed to Hanuman and explore the transformative power of breath practices. Manoj leads us in a guided meditation practice through our koshas, our energetic layers, and in chant.
“Just abide in the heart, that is the seat of consciousness – the seat of Ram.” – Dr. Manoj Chalam
K.K. Sah and Hanuman
He Ma Durga (45:40) – Raghu shares the importance that Durga and the Divine Mother holds in his heart and talks about the experiences with Durga he shared with Maharaj-ji and Siddhi Ma. Manoj shares the story behind Durga’s creation and the unique role she holds in the Hindu pantheon.
“Goddess Durga is goodness in a fierce form, she removes the negative energies that do not serve us, both within as well as towards us. The idea is that we don’t have to hate our shadows, they are part of us. Durga teaches us to work with them and gently have them attenuated; that can be a form of self-actualized behavior in your hero’s journey where you are able to integrate your shadows.” – Dr. Manoj Chalam
