Today, we're tackling Russell’s thought-provoking question about Jesus Christ with Religious Scholar and Certified Ashtanga teacher, Dr. John Campbell. As the conversation turns to "Are we searching for our own personal Jesus in yoga teachers?" Harmony Slater, John, and Russell explore the tendency to idolize instructors, seeking external validation and solutions rather than cultivating our own inner power. This episode will challenge your assumptions and open doors to a more authentic yoga practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Beyond Black and White Thinking: John Campbell critiques the pressure for strong opinions: "Everybody always trying to dumb everything down...you know, you have a black and white opinion about this or that..." The conversation explores the need for critical thinking and a nuanced approach to yoga teachers and transformation.
- The Simulation of Awareness: John delves into the overwhelming nature of information overload: "We have this constant narration machine of infinite complexity in our minds...this is exactly who I am..." He argues that true transformation comes from cultivating presence and inner peace, not getting caught up in external narratives.
- Yoga and the Cult of Personality: John observes, "[We] find ourselves in positions of great authority, which then turn out to be real shit-heels." Harmony Slater adds, "We're all doing that, right? With our interpersonal struggles." This conversation explores how easily we project unrealistic expectations onto teachers, potentially hindering our own growth.
- Presence and Authenticity: Despite the potential pitfalls, the episode acknowledges the power of yoga. John Campbell concludes that yoga, when approached mindfully, can be a powerful tool for cultivating presence, compassion, and a deeper sense of self.
Now it's your turn!
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About Our Guests:
John Campbell:
John Campbell is a scholar of Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and holds a PhD in Religion from Columbia University. He has been a Fulbright Fellow and has taught at Columbia University and the University of Virginia, where he co-founded the Contemplative Sciences Center for research and teaching centered on contemplative methods and traditions. He is currently working on a multi-volume translation from Sanskrit and Tibetan of commentaries on the Guhyasamaja Tantra, a Buddhist scripture.
He began practising yoga and meditation thirty years ago, and has since then taught yoga, meditation, and contemplative philosophy worldwide. A longtime practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism, he is also one of the few Certified teachers of Ashtanga Yoga.
He lives in Newburgh NY with his wife, children, and assorted animal friends.
>>> You can find him teaching at the Newburgh Yoga Shala
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