A Woman’s Gita: Bhagavad Gita by and for Western Women

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In this episode of A Woman’s Gita Podcast, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi dive deep into Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring verses 3.15–3.16 on selfless action, universal consciousness (Brahman), and the great “wheel” of reciprocity that sustains life.
Drawing from the Gita, the Upanishads, and lived experience as women, teachers, and long-time practitioners, they unpack how karma yoga calls us to serve others without attachment to personal gain—while also honoring the very real need for boundaries, rest, and self-care, especially for women who are often conditioned to over-give.
Through stories, scriptural insight, and practical reflections, this conversation invites listeners to reimagine service not as self-erasure, but as a path to a lighter heart, deeper connection, and a more sustainable way of living in the world.
In this episode, we explore:
The meaning of karma yoga and why “every selfless act is born from Brahman”
Verse 3.16’s image of the “wheel” (chakra) and how all of life turns through reciprocity
How universal consciousness expresses itself through everyday acts of service
The danger of indulging the senses and living “in vain” by ignoring the needs of others
The metaphor of weighing the heart against a feather and what makes a heart “light”
Why every spiritual tradition emphasizes service as a way to purify the heart
The tension between American individualism (“greed is good,” “look out for number one”) and the Gita’s call to selfless action
The connection between happiness, attachment, and constant wanting (“25% more”)
How art, music, and ritual keep the heart open in a culture that overvalues the mind
The role of daily practices (like meditation, lighting a candle, morning/evening reflection) as modern equivalents of Vedic fire rituals
The risk of burnout and over-giving, especially for women, mothers, and caregivers
Why true service must be paired with self-care and healthy boundaries
The Sufi teaching: “Never give from the depth of your well, only from the overflow”
How the four āśramas (life stages) point to a natural shift toward more practice in later life
Why it’s so helpful to begin spiritual practice early—not just in the “winter” of life
Tune in for a heartfelt, grounded exploration of what it really means to participate in the wheel of life with an open heart—offering, receiving, and learning to care for yourself as tenderly as you care for others.

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In this episode of A Women’s Gita Podcast, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi continue their exploration of Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita, turning toward the deep—and often misunderstood—concepts of yajna (sacrifice) and tapas (austerity, inner fire).

Drawing from traditional Gita verses, Vedic creation myths, and lived experiences as women, they unpack how sacrifice has been framed, who has been centered in those stories, and what it means to reclaim these teachings in a way that honors women, the Earth, and the interconnected web of life.

This conversation weaves together scripture, myth, feminist critique, and practical spirituality, inviting listeners to see their daily practice as an inner ritual fire that supports both personal transformation and the welfare of the world.

Key topics covered:

What yajna really means beyond “giving something up”
The Vedic worldview of interdependence: gods, humans, nature, and the “wish-fulfilling cow”
The Purusha Sukta and creation as an original cosmic sacrifice
Contrast between Vedic creation myths and the Genesis story (dominion vs. interconnection)
How religious worldviews shape attitudes toward women and nature
Women’s lived experience of sacrifice: childbirth, caregiving, and erasure from sacred narratives
The role of rain, food, and ritual in sustaining life and cosmic balance
Understanding tapas as daily, embodied practice—not extreme self-denial
The Gayatri mantra and Bargo as the purifying inner flame
Re-reading the Gita to include women’s voices without changing its core teachings

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Step beyond traditional boundaries in "Beyond Patriarchy: Reclaiming the Feminine in Sacred Texts." In this special episode, Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi celebrate a year of groundbreaking dialogue by exploring how women’s voices have historically been sidelined in spiritual traditions—and how they are reclaiming their rightful place today. Drawing on the legacy of the Seneca Falls Convention and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and examining the Bhagavad Gita through a contemporary, inclusive lens, the hosts dive deep into how reclaiming the feminine transforms both faith and society.
Key topics covered:
The historic Seneca Falls Convention and its relevance to modern women’s rights
The influence of the Declaration of Sentiments and the Woman's Bible
The impact of patriarchy in both Western and Eastern religious traditions
How religious texts have reinforced and now challenge women’s subjugation
The importance of gender-neutral, inclusive interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita and other scriptures
Celebrating Chapter 9, Sloka 32 of the Gita as a verse of empowerment and equality
The role of spirituality versus institutional religion in fostering freedom and equality
Personal stories of empowerment, sisterhood, and advocacy in the yoga and spiritual communities

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Join hosts Kamala Rose and Nischala Joy Devi as they take a deep dive into the heart of Karma Yoga through the lens of Loka Sangraha—the Vedic ideal of acting for the highest good of all. Drawing on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, personal experiences, and practical wisdom, this episode explores how selfless service can be woven into our daily actions, attitudes, and communities. Whether through small gestures, community aid, or deep reflection, learn how living for the collective benefit uplifts us all.
Key topics covered:
The meaning and significance of Loka Sangraha in the context of Karma Yoga
Acting without attachment: Bringing benefit to all and harm to none
Reciprocity and interconnectedness: How individual actions ripple through the community
Practical ways to practice selfless service in everyday situations
Overcoming unconscious bias and cultivating humility
Women’s unique challenges and contributions to service
The spiritual power of small acts of kindness
Stories and lessons from real-life mutual aid experiences

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Join hosts Nischala Joy Devi and Kamala Rose as they explore the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 3, focusing on Karma Yoga and the importance of transcending unconscious bias in our actions. This episode delves into how meditation and self-inquiry can help us recognize hidden motives and embrace the path of selfless service. Through insightful discussion and real-life examples, discover how to transform daily actions into offerings that promote both personal growth and the welfare of society.
Key topics covered:
Understanding Karma Yoga and its relevance in the modern world
The role of unconscious bias in shaping our actions and perceptions
How meditation aids in self-awareness and transcending prejudice
Aligning thought, word, and deed for genuine selfless action
Practical steps for mindful giving and serving others without attachment
The balance between engaging with the world and maintaining inner clarity
Stories and examples illustrating self-inquiry and service in daily life