Eddie Stern — Spirit Over Form: Yoga’s Evolution for a Living Tradition

01/05/2025 43 min Temporada 4 Episodio 5
Eddie Stern — Spirit Over Form: Yoga’s Evolution for a Living Tradition

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Episode Synopsis

About Eddie SternEddie Stern is a yoga teacher, author, researcher, and community activist based in New York City. A long-time student of Pattabhi Jois, Eddie helped bring Ashtanga Yoga to a global audience, but over time shifted his focus toward devotional practice, mantra, breathwork, and the deeper spiritual currents behind yoga. He is the creator of the Breathing App and founder of Manhattan’s first vedically consecrated Ganesh temple. Eddie’s work bridges ancient wisdom with modern science, making inner practices accessible for a new generation. Key Topics CoveredEddie’s early spiritual awakening and his influential high school teacherFirst trip to India and the slow process of cultural immersionTraining with Pattabhi Jois and the deep dive into Ashtanga YogaThe tension between tradition, evolution, and authenticity in yogaMoving beyond physical practice toward breath, mantra, and ritualEddie’s reflections on breaking from lineage without losing reverenceFounding a Vedic temple in Manhattan and embracing a Hindu identityHow slow, resonant breathing can transform health — and lifeAdvice for seekers starting their spiritual journey today Notable Quotes💬 “You need to spend a little time each day attending to the invisible part of yourself.”💬“We ripen at our own pace. You can’t force it — just like you can’t ripen a fruit before it’s ready.”💬“Traditions that survive are the ones that allow themselves to evolve without losing their spirit.”💬“The guru is not a person. The guru is a stream of knowledge that flows through people.”💬“Everything we call tradition was created by someone who simply thought it was a good idea. Respect that — but don’t mistake it for something it’s not.” Timestamps00:03 — Introduction to Eddie Stern and his journey02:50 — Eddie’s early spiritual awakening in high school06:50 — First experiences traveling and studying in India11:00 — From Shivananda Yoga to Ashtanga Yoga14:00 — The ripening process: why we change only when ready19:10 — Breaking from guru structures and lineage identities24:00 — The evolving nature of yoga traditions30:00 — Founding a Vedic temple in Manhattan34:30 — Breathwork, health, and the creation of the Breathing App38:40 — Eddie’s personal meditation and ritual practices40:55 — Advice for people beginning their spiritual journey Links and ResourcesEddie Stern’s WebsiteThe Breathing App (iOS)The Breathing App (Android)Healing Through Breathing on AudibleOne Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of YogaUrban Yogis — Yoga and Meditation for Underserved CommunitiesLondon Meditation Centre — Learn Vedic Meditation 
-----Speaking of Meditation is written and produced by Michael Miller, with direction by Jillian Lavender and assistance from Emma Rae.Original music by Rich Jacques.https://www.richjacques.comGraphics by Elle and Elle.http://www.elleelle.comSpeaking of Meditation… What are you noticing? Who is benefitting? And how are you staying inspired? 

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