Greetings Reader,

Pop quiz: Is yoga . . .

A: neutral territory that welcomes every perspective?

or

B: based on a philosophy with a perspective of its own?

You may think that yoga is inclusive, so the answer must be “A: neutral territory – everyone is welcome.”

I think that’s true.

But is everyone’s perspective welcome?

If you think that everyone’s opinion is a personal truth that's just as valid as anyone else’s, then you might once again choose “A: neutral territory – all perspectives welcome.”

I think that’s problematic.

Because yoga philosophy itself doesn't embrace the idea that everyone’s opinion has equal value or that my personal truth is just as valid as anyone else’s.

And it can leave you thinking, "Is what I’m hearing yoga philosophy or just someone’s ideology in disguise?”

When it comes to ideas about personal truths or how we all create our own realities, the yoga wisdom tradition agrees with renowned science fiction author Philip K. Dick:

And, believe it or not, the reality about yoga philosophy is that it persists in having its own perspective on just about everything.

Including social issues and politics.

So my answer is “B: yoga is based on a philosophy with a perspective of its own.”

But the way yoga philosophy is being shared and interpreted has changed lately—especially in online spaces and spiritual communities. Teachings from sacred traditions are being reframed in ways that sometimes feel more like culture war talking points than timeless spiritual insights.

It’s left many thoughtful practitioners asking:

• Has ancient wisdom been hijacked to justify modern authoritarianism?
• Have liberal values been projected onto yoga philosophy—or are they already part of it?
• Can we develop a coherent, spiritually grounded political view based on the Bhagavad-gītā and other yoga wisdom texts?
• Or is yoga meant to transcend politics altogether?

These are serious questions. And they deserve a serious, spiritually grounded response.

That’s why I’m offering a new live online series:

The Dharma Rebellion: Bhakti Yoga’s Vision of Spiritual Resistance

Of all the paths of yoga, bhakti-yoga puts a special emphasis on how we integrate engagement with the world into our spiritual lives.

And bhakti-yoga offers up a very specific worldview that, in turn, offers a clear and comprehensive socio-political viewpoint.

But what is bhakti-yoga’s perspective on the nature of reality, spiritual values, social issues, and our hyper-polarized politics?

And how does bhakti's worldview compare with other worldviews that are influencing world events, political trends, and the yoga and wellness communities?

In this 8-week series of live and interactive classes, we’ll explore how Right-Wing influencers and Left-Wing assumptions have shaped the current landscape of spiritual discourse—and how the radical vision of bhakti-yoga offers something deeper, more coherent, and more liberating than anything we'll find in conventional left-right politics.

⁠You’ll come away with:

• Tools to recognize the difference between authentic sanātana dharma and spiritual authoritarianism
• A philosophical framework for seeing where bhakti-yoga aligns—or doesn’t—with modern political ideologies
• Scriptural grounding to help you speak about values like justice, freedom, and equality with clarity and confidence

If you’ve been questioning where yoga fits into today’s political landscape or feel unsettled by how spiritual ideas are being used, please join us to explore the deeper roots of yoga philosophy—and take a stand for compassion, clarity, and spiritual integrity.

The Dharma Rebellion: Bhakti Yoga’s Vision of Spiritual Resistance

a new 8-week series — live on Zoom

starting Wednesday, June 25^th at 7:00 pm EDT

Suggested donation: $10–$15/class. No one turned away.⁠

​CLICK HERE for complete information and registration.​

If you have any questions about this series, just reply to this email.

Thanks - Wishing you all good fortune,

- Hari-k

P.S.: Every class will be recorded and available for replay.